Area vets visit World War II memorial

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Ninety-three Wisconsin veterans who served their country in World War II, traveled to Washington D-C this week to finally get a little recognition.

"That was really the first time been thanked in our lives, brought tears to my eyes. I couldn't take it," said Gerald Heitzman.

This was the first time Navy veteran Gerald Heitzman got the chance to see the National World War II Memorial, dedicated to the 16-million veterans who fought in that war. Heitzman and the others from Northeast Wisconsin were able to make the trip free of charge thanks to the Old Glory Honor Flight program which organized the trip out of the Fox Valley.

"This was our maiden voyage and it was a great success," said Drew MacDonald, organizer of the Old Glory Honor Flight chapter in the Fox Valley. "Belated as it may be, it was our opportunity to say thank you."

FOX 11 gave MacDonald a camera to capture the one day excursion that explored the memorial and toured other sites in our Nation's Capital.

For Army Veteran Wilmer Helm of Wausaukee the experience was overwhelming.

"That brought me back the true Americanism. The morals. The respect," said Helm.

He encourages everyone to see the memorial up close, and he'd like to see the Old Glory Honor Flight program continue.

"If they just continue what they're doing I'd be well pleased," added Helm.

Other veterans agree.

"You've got to experience the feeling, even inscribed in the stones," said Heitzman.

"I would like to thank all of you..." said Wisconsin Congressman Steve Kagen who greeted the veterans at the World War II Memorial, as did former Senator and World War II Veteran Bob Dole.

Opened to the public just 5 years ago, most of those it honors are now in the 80s, 90s.

"We don't have a lot of time," said MacDonald.

He says it makes the honor flight one last important mission that all veterans need to take.

The Old Glory Honor Flight organization is a non-profit group in the Fox Valley that raised $75,000 in donations to make the one day trip possible. Fund raising is ongoing to raise money for additional flights in 2010.

• Learn more about the Old Glory Honor Flight organization.
• Learn more about the National World War II Memorial.