Washington DC

May 10, 2008

Funded by private donations, World War II Veteran trips provide, at no expense to WWII veterans, a trip to Washington DC to visit the WWII Memorial.

This event is accomplished in one day, beginning with a military welcome at the departing airport. Followed by another military welcome at Reagan Airport. Upon arrival in Washington, tour buses take them to the National World War II Memorial.

A team of guardians accompanied the veterans every step of the way. There is one guardian for every three veterans. 

The Queen Mum stood under the Atlantic tower waiting for the buses to arrive. Once off the bus it was easy to spot my veteran waving his red hat. It was wonderful to finally met in person after 10 years of sending emails.

As we toured the Memorial, I heard of some of the adventures during the war. 

At the end of the tour, we met Senator Bob Dole who, since leaving public elective office, currently serves as Chairman of the National World War II Memorial. During the Second World War, Bob Dole was gravely wounded on the battlefield and was decorated for heroic achievement, receiving two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star with one oak leaf cluster. Bob Dole continued his service to the United States in the field of politics. On two different occasions, he was elected Senate Majority Leader making him the longest serving Senate leader of the Republican Party.

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Returning to the tour buses, they were served a box lunch. The veterans travel to the Korean, Vietnam and Iwo Jima Memorials and, a tour of Washington. After that, the tour group returned to the airport for the return flight back home to another military welcome ending the long, emotional and exhilarating day.