VETERANS GET TO SEE WWII MEMORIAL FOR THE FIRST TIME

 

Of all of the wars in recent memory, it was World War II that truly threatened our very existence as a nation—and as a culturally diverse, free society.  With the Department of Veterans Affairs, estimating 640 WWII veterans were dying every day, the time to express our thanks to these brave men and women was running out. 

 

The Flight of Honor program took WWII veterans in the Charlotte region to Washington DC to see the new World War II Memorial, along with several other memorials.  It was a challenging effort as all the veterans were in their 70’s and 80’s and even a few in their 90’s.  A cadre of Rotary volunteer guardians escorted the veterans through the entire trip.  In addition Charlotte Medic and Charlotte Fire provided two paramedics to escort the group.  US Airways provided chartered flights to Washington.

 

Most all of the Groups were met by Senator Elizabeth Dole, whose husband Senator Bob Dole was instrumental in the WWII Memorial being built.  In all, 872 veterans took the Flight of Honor.

 

Upon returning to Charlotte, hundreds of volunteers met the veterans to express their thanks.