WASHINGTON — Seven years ago, the World War II memorial was dedicated on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., but due to their age and health problems, thousands of veterans of that war, will never be able to see it.
However, an organization called Honor Flight is changing that.
So far, more than 80,000 World War II veterans have had the opportunity to take a flight to Washington to see the memorial that honors them.
On Wednesday, 100 veterans from across South Carolina flew to the nation’s capital to see the memorial first-hand. For them, it was the trip of a lifetime.
"I'm speechless. It's mind-boggling," said 86-year-old Rich Damron of York as he walked into the towering granite structure near the Washington monument. "I never imagined I'd get the opportunity to see this."
Ralph Stikeleather, 85, of Fort Mill, feels the same.
"I probably wouldn't have got up here if it wasn't for this," he said.
The electric co-ops of South Carolina raised $60,000 for an honor flight from Columbia to the nation's capital. York Electric Cooperative paid the expenses for 11 veterans from York County.
The men and women were greeted with fanfare wherever they went, from waving flags and cheering crowds, to handshakes from active duty military officers and countless tourists who repeatedly thanked them for their service to their country.
Seeing the massive memorial in their honor, these humble former soldiers can't believe someone cared enough to build it.
"It amazes me all these people look up to us so much," said Bill Buddin, 86, of Rock Hill. "I don't think we did anything so great. We just did what everyone was doing back then."
No one at the memorial laid claim to being a hero, but they point to the rows of hundreds of gold stars on one wall as representing the true heroes. More than 400,000 died in the Pacific and European theaters of the war.
Each single star represents more than 4,000 dead.
"That's who I think of a lot, my comrades who didn't make it back home," said 86-year-old Lee Smoak of Rock Hill. Smoak is humbled by the chance to take the Honor Flight, and hopes others will get the same opportunity.
"I hope they never stop this program before every veteran has a chance to see this," he said.
The South Carolina Electric Cooperatives wanted to reach out to their customers for this Honor Flight because they serve people who live in rural parts of the state.
They were not sure they would fill the flight, but 270 signed up.
Since only 100 veterans could go on Wednesday's flight, plus guardians, doctors, and reporters, those who missed out hope to get another chance soon.
At the memorial, a large crowd gathered to dedicate the South Carolina flag. It was dedicated to Ray Vogt, an Upstate veteran who was supposed to be on the honor flight, but died just 12 days before the trip.
The group also visited several historic sites and memorials, including Arlington National Cemetery. Many of them said they had not been to Washington in 50 or 60 years.
Seeing the memorial that honors their sacrifices was a moment to treasure.
"This shows how people feel about us. I say, 'God bless America.'” Damron said.
Many of the veterans walked with canes, and others rode in wheelchairs, or held the supportive arms of loved ones or guardians.
Bill Buddin sat on the granite wall, looking around at the towers, the rushing fountains, the crowd of visitors, and his fellow veterans. It was a lot for him to take in, and he's thrilled he didn't miss his chance.
"It makes me feel happy. It makes me feel like I'm one of them. Somehow we did do something good," he said.
WSOC
