Hampton Rotary Club

ROTARIANS SAY "THANK YOU" TO THE FLYING SANTAS

Hampton Rotarians, Bud Palmer and Anne Russell

In 1929, a wonderful tradition was born assuring that children residing in isolated light houses would have a Christmas to remember. Packages of gifts were dropped from a plane to lighthouse keepers and their families along the New England coast. Thus began the tradition of the Flying Santas. It was later expanded to cover Coast Guard Stations as well. Flights have continued, nowadays using helicopters. Since the start of the tradition, excluding World War II, it has been a way of expressing gratitude for the work performed by the US Coast Guard.

In 1949, Flight Engineer Allen G. Palmer (Bud) flew with a crew from the Coast Guard Station in Salem, MA, dropping packages to light houses and stations along the coast of New England. A most unforgettable moment in his military career!

In October, 2014 we joined a group at Fort Constitution in New Castle, NH to celebrate this wonderful group and have a chat with good old St.Nick. For us, it was another opportunity to thank a group so dedicated to spreading the spirit of the season. ~ Anne & Bud

Click "Read more" to see pictures of our Flying Santa

HAMPTON ROTARY HAS ITS VERY OWN FLYING SANTA!

1. Hampton Rotarian, Dave Considine, took a "Santa Selfie" on his first trip in 2014

2. Santa's Ride and a 4 am wake up and a long flight to way out Downeast for the first Flying Santa flight of 2014

3. Sunrise over Rockland, Maine