Eckstrom to Travel to World War II Memorial with Vets
May 26, 2009
COLUMBIA, SC – May 26, 2009 – Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom will travel with World War II veterans to the World War II Memorial Washington D.C. on Wednesday (May 27).
The flight is sponsored by Honor Flight of South Carolina, a program which flies World War II veterans to the monument free of charge. The flight is funded by private donations and fundraisers.
Eckstrom will be travelling as a guardian, a volunteer who assists in flight preparation and helps ensure that each veteran has a safe, meaningful experience. Guardians pay their own expenses.
The World War II Memorial in Washington, DC is a sacred place of remembrance and reflection for those who served in uniform during this war, said Eckstrom. While no memorial can ever adequately say ‘thanks’ to those who fought — and many who paid the ultimate price — for our freedom, a group of volunteers several years ago came up with a novel way to honor World War II veterans.
It is because of our war veterans that we remain strong as a nation, and we enjoy many of the freedoms we all-too-often take for granted. Honor Flight is a fitting tribute to those who served.
The South Carolina Honor Flight program is spearheaded by Columbia businessman Bill Dukes.
About Honor Flight
The Honor Flight program was born in 2004 when a retired Air Force Captain sought a way to express his gratitude for the service of World War II veterans. As a pilot, he offered to fly veterans one at a time to “their memorial,” so that those without the means to travel could experience the tribute. He was overwhelmed by their response. Many were emotional.
Soon after, the retired Captain reached out to other pilots to volunteer for an inaugural “Honor Flight.” Eleven volunteered, and in May 2005 six planes carrying 12 World War II veterans flew out of Springfield, Ohio to Washington, DC.
Since that time, the program has expanded across the country. The program has 71 “hubs” in 30 states, including South Carolina. Civic clubs and scout troops hold fundraisers to finance the flights.
The Honor Flights aren’t just limited to veterans of World War II, either. Those who served in the Vietnam and Korean Wars are now included. By the end of this year, nearly 50,000 veterans will have been flown to their memorial free of charge under the program.
For more information, visit http://www.honorflightsc.com/media.html or call 803-582-8826.
