Bob Bireline’s trip from one Washington to another is long overdue.
The 91-year-old World War II veteran left on a flight this morning to the nation’s capital to visit war memorials, specifically the one honoring the war he fought in more than 60 years ago. His one-day trip is thanks to Honor Flight, a nonprofit organization that rewards deserving World War II veterans by paying for their trips to Washington, D.C.
It costs about $475 to send each World War II veteran to see their memorial and other sites in the nation’s capital. Paid for by donations, the trip includes airfare, bus transportation, three meals, a shirt, a cap and a World War II Memorial book.
This year’s Honor Flight goal is to transport 25,000 veterans to see the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. Sadly, hundreds of World War II veterans die each day, so fewer of those who served in the war will be able to take the trip.
Lester Roth, 85, of Washington flew to Washington, D.C., in May. He was enlisted in the Marines at 18 years old and eventually became a sergeant. He served in the Fifth Amphibian Tractor Battalion, transporting the wounded from the front lines to receive medical care.
His trip to the war memorials was a way to face his memories, he said after the trip, but it also gave him the recognition he deserves.
“I have never talked about what happened much, but this was a pretty emotional day,” Roth said of his trip.
We hope Bireline has the same worthwhile experience when he lands in Washington, D.C., for the first time today.
If the United States had not prevailed in World War II, our country likely would not enjoy freedom today. We owe the men and women who served in World War II our gratitude, and Honor Flight is a commendable and meaningful way to give the veterans the thanks they so deserve.
Volunteers can sign up to escort the veterans to the nation’s capital for $475. Monetary donations to help pay for veterans’ trips to the war memorials can be sent to Land of Lincoln Honor Flight, 3010 Cameron Drive, Springfield, IL 62074.
Veterans who wish to apply for the Honor Flight can go to www.landoflincolnhonorflight.org, or call (217) 622-1473.
Washington, Ill. —
