"The turnout was fantastic," said Roger James, co-owner of D&D Classic. "This was the best show we've ever had, by far."

D&D Classic had over 80 entries of classic automobiles, but well over 100 cars were in attendance and a crowd of over 1000 enjoyed the festivities.

"We didn't have any more room to park anybody," said Brenda Kenworthy of D&D Classic. "We're not sure how many people were here, but this was by far the biggest Cruise-In we've had. It was a great day with wonderful weather."

The success of the Cruise-In can be attributed to the help provided by military veteran organizations throughout area.

"This was a fundraiser for the Mission For Veterans of Miami County and we can't thank the local organizations enough for what they did to make this (Cruise-In) a success," said James.

The profits generated will go to Mission: Veterans To D.C., which was founded by Glenn Devers of Piqua in 2007, an organization that has sent 257 veterans to see their memorials in Washington D.C., the nation's capital.

"We are most appreciative of D&D Classic and they are such super people to work with," said Devers. "We have so much great gratitude for our veterans - the sacrifices they have made for our freedoms. We try to make two trips each year as funds allow."

The next trip is slated for October and events like the Cruise-In help make that possible.

"D&D Classic is helping us achieve our objective," Devers continued. "The veterans are so appreciative of that trip and the October trip will be our ninth one."

A.B. Cole Post 88 in Covington conducted a presentation of the flag, while the Covington Alumni Band played the national anthem - which was followed by a Missing Man Formation Fly-Over in unison with Taps in honor of the fallen veterans.

The fly-over was conducted by pilots Bill Knisley, Dan Wolfe and Jarrod Burner, all of New Carlisle, while Taps was played by Darrel Reck of Covington.

"That was very emotional," James described of the special presentations to honor the veterans. "You could really see it in the eyes of the veterans. What a very well done presentation."

"Boy, that was something," said Joe Meyer of Covington and member of A.B. Cole Post 88 of the Missing Man Formation. "The guys really enjoyed it."

The members of A.B. Cole Post 88 who took part in the festivities were Art Stephen, Max Heilman, Wayne Peeples, Jay Schilling, John Schilling, Bob Fosnight, Joe Meyer, Lowell Smith, Everett Cote and Bob Bashore. Heilman, a World War II Veteran, was also featured on the Cruise-In commemorative poster with a 1947 Lincoln Continental.

"It was an honor to have him (Max Heilman) on the poster," James said. "We've received so many compliments about the poster and how much it meant to the veterans that we were able to capture that image."

Also involved in the festivities were the Piqua VFW, Mission: Veterans to D.C., founded by Glenn Devers of Piqua, and Brad Hall of Phonics DJ Services, who donated his time by playing music from the 40s, 50s and 60s and making announcements throughout the day.

Plus, there were plenty of classic cars to enjoy and stories to tell - all on the grounds of D&D Classic, who has restored classic treasures from around the world.

"This is the best kept secret in Covington," said a Covington resident, who was enjoying the wide variety of cars that were on display inside the four D&D Classic shops at the Mote Drive location. "I don't know if residents in town really know what this company has done over the years - the history they've restored. It's amazing there's a place like this in a small town like Covington."

Car enthusiasts from around the country know - and D&D Classic's reputation in the restoration community made for a successful fundraising event that benefits our American Heros - the men and women who have sacrificed for our freedom.

"This is totally for them (the Veterans)," James said of the Cruise-In. "We (D&D Classic) can't thank them enough for what they've done for us."

D&D and the participating organizations have done a lot to help the veterans, but so much more can be done.

"Our veterans deserve to be told Thank You," said Devers. "Sometimes I think we forget, but they are the reason we have the freedoms we enjoy."

Anyone who would like to make a donation can send a check to:
Mission: Veterans To D.C.
P.O. Box 569
Piqua, Ohio 45356

Application forms for Mission: Veterans To D.C. can be requested by calling 773-0989.

Visit Mission: Veterans To D.C. online at www.mission-veterans2dc.org.

For more information visit www.ddclassic.com.