Volunteers provide bus to memorials
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The World War II and Korean War memorials in Washington, D.C., can inspire a mix of emotions, but no one is impacted more than veterans who have survived those wars.
For veterans who may not have the means or opportunity to travel, a local group of about 20 volunteers is providing a bus to the capital Oct. 1, free of charge for World War II and Korean War veterans. Buses will depart from Ross Park, Monroeville, Greentree and Beaver, and lunch and dinner is included.
Since the first bus trip was offered in 2006, nearly 1,400 veterans have had the chance to see the memorials. Jacquelyn Cain, the daughter of a World War II Navy veteran who volunteers with the group said the trip is “a small way to give back for what they’ve done.”
“A lot of people will come up and thank them for their service, and they feel appreciated,” she said. “It’s like they’re an important person for a day.”
Cain said many of the veterans excitedly show up at 5:30 a.m. the day of the trip, an hour before the bus will depart. She said they often bond and share stories from the war, which may be difficult to divulge in other situations.
One time, two men on the bus were thrilled to realize they had gone to high school together, enlisted together and had not seen each other since. “It gives me goosebumps every time, Cain said.
These trips have been made possible through donations, which cover the $3,000 fee per busload, as well as nurses and helpers who volunteer their time.
The last day to register for the trip is Sept. 25. To sign up, call Lydian Fisher at 724-709-3614. To make a donation to support this trip, make checks payable to WWII Memorial Vets Trip and mail it to ESB Bank, 701 Corporation St., Beaver, PA 15009.