Roswell Rotary Takes World War II Vets to Washington DC to View Their Memorial

publication date: Feb 18, 2008

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author/source: Roswell Beacon

The Roswell Rotary will be escorting 100 North Fulton Georgia’s World War II veterans to Washington, D.C. May 14. The trip will be of no cost to the World War II veterans. The program is called the Roswell Rotary Honor Air. It is the intention of the Roswell Rotary Honor Air Flight is to honor as many of these selfless “ordinary people who saved the world” as possible by providing them a completely free day trip, with personal attention be given to their needs to visit their memorial. The youngest World War II veteran is an octogenarian. Many of the men and women who fought and sacrificed for the country have not had an opportunity, or ability, to visit. Roswell Rotary Honor Air will provide an opportunity for many veterans who, because of physical or financial limitations, may otherwise never see the memorial.

Here is how Roswell Rotary Honor Air Flight works, approximately 100 World War II veterans plus guardians, doctors and emergency personnel will gather in early morning hours May 14, 2008 and be taken by bus to the Atlanta airport. The veterans will fly on a chartered flight to Washington, D.C., where they will be escorted on buses from the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to the World War II Memorial. They will also visit the Vietnam Memorial and the Tomb of Unknown Soldier. They will then return to the Reagan airport, fly to Atlanta and fly back to Roswell that same day. For every three to four veterans, there will be a volunteer guardian to assist them. Paramedics and wheelchairs will be available for the journey.

The program will operate on donations from local businesses, organizations and individuals. The volunteer guardians pay their own way and personally escort the veterans on the aircraft, accompany them to the memorials throughout the day, and then escort them back during the return flight. It will cost approximately $500 per veteran for the flight. Sponsorships for these veterans are being solicited.

Those wishing to make contributions may do so by mailing them to: Roswell Rotary Honor Air, P.O. Box 783, Roswell GA 30077.

For additional information, contact Sue Sharp at 404-314-6279.