Biloxi VA draws large Cruisin' crowds - WLOX.com - The News for South Mississippi

Biloxi VA draws large Cruisin' crowds

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By Steve Phillips - bio | email

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BILOXI, MS (WLOX) -

It's become one of the favorite pit-stops for Cruisin' the Coast.  More than 1100 classic cars spent part of the day Tuesday at the Biloxi VA.

Bright sunshine and American flags welcomed the patriotic crowd. Volunteers escorted VA patients back in time as they rode through rows and rows of vintage vehicles.

"The engineering of the American automobile is just all a part of Americana and what veterans have fought for and preserved so that we can enjoy to this day," said Thomas Wisnieski, director of the VA Medical Center.

Charles A. Richardson served in Vietnam.

"Two years, six months and 24 days on the battlefield," said the veteran Marine.

The VA cruise-in inspires more pleasant memories.

"I love it. Especially those '55 Chevrolets and Mustang Sally. When she came out with the Mustang," he said.

Whatever your favorite classic, you'll likely find it here.  It takes something pretty special to stand-out in this field of dream cars.

"It's a 1935 Buick limousine," said Judy Booth of Texas.

She and husband Rick's blue beauty is a bona fide head-turner. They bought it at last year's Crusin' the Coast.

"My husband and I do all the work ourselves and spent the past year getting it done. Finished it two weeks ago," said Booth.

Not far from the Elvis music, we found two friends named Don admiring the rides.  One has a classic, the other is looking.

"I've got my '50 Ford. It's parked about a mile down there. But we just love cars. No matter what kind they are. It's wonderful," said Don Shotzberger.

"I like 'em all. But I'll have to get something that's within my budget," added Don Burnett.

There's something here for serious buyers and dreamers; stories of loving restoration and the challenges faced along that journey. All being shared on this day with those who served America.  Saying a special thanks to veterans and giving them plenty to smile about.

Following the morning stop at the Biloxi VA, many of the cruisers also paid a visit to the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Gulfport

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