The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Earl Schroeder recently returned from a patriotic trip to Washington, D.C., where he acted as team leader and guardian for a group of 50 World War II veterans and their companions.

It was all part of the Honor Flight program for Eastern Oregon servicemen, its primary mission: to escort veterans to see the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. The memorial on the Capitol Mall was dedicated just eight years ago, even though the conflict ended six decades ago.

The trip cost the veterans nothing, as it was financed by contributions and services-in-kind by Southwest Airlines, Holiday Inn and Shiloh Inn.

It was headed up by Army-retired Dick Tobiason, president of the Bend Heroes Foundation, to pay respect to the Greatest Generation while ensuring the trips go smoothly.

"There were a total of 96 people on two separate Southwest Airlines planes. We took off, appropriately on June 6th, D-Day," said Schroeder. "It was extremely well-organized and well-run, like a military operation. On the flights going and coming all the vets were happy and smiling and excited to see the memorial. Some had been on the waiting list for two years."

Qualifications to join an Honor Flight in the future are simple. A person must be a World War II veteran and never been to Washington D.C. before to see the memorial. A guardian or chaperone must accompany them to ensure the veteran's support and safety.

"There's an urgency to deliver these men and women out to our nation's capitol before they leave us," Schroeder said. "Most are in their late 80s and early 90s and many are still able to get around with the aid of wheelchairs and walkers.

"Spirits were high the entire trip and there was a bond within the group within fifteen minutes of getting on the bus."

The group's main goal was to visit the World War II Memorial at length and 10 other memorials: The U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, The Korean War Veterans Memorial and others. Another highlight of the trip was witnessing the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery.

"They were all quietly spellbound when they approached the World War II Memorial itself," Schroeder recalls. "Seeing our national flag, the colorful and patriotic symbol of our country, is always moving.

"One of the most striking aspects of it is the Freedom Wall of 4,000 gold stars. Each star represents 100 casualties during the span of the battles. Those stars were all forged at a bronze foundry in Joseph, Oregon. The veterans didn't say much and you could tell there were a lot of memories of fallen soldiers and absent friends. They all lost somebody, there's no two ways about it."

The veterans returned home deeply affected by the journey. The next Honor Flight departs Portland on September 19 for four days. For more information on the program contact Dick Tobiason at 541-388-5591 or visit www.bendheroes.org.