World War II Veterans Head To Washington, D.C.

Friday, May 11th 2007, 4:50 pm

By: News On 6

Some Oklahoma World War II veterans are on their way to Washington, D.C. The News On 6â€™s Emory Bryan reports they're going there to visit the World War II Memorial, thanks to the kindness of the people back home.

It's somehow ironic that the 51 veterans would even be asked security questions at the airport, because they defended this country before most of us were born. But they don't mind, they have their sights on Washington and Jack Craig is one of the few who has already been there.

"It's really wonderful, the soldiers that died over there fighting, they would be proud, I'm sure," World War II veteran Jack Craig said.

All 51 men and a few family members are part of Operation Greatest Generation. Folks in LeFlore and Sequoyah counties gave $84,000, so the veterans could make the trip for free.

"I'm proud of my country, I served this country, and I'm proud we're getting recognized as veterans," said World War II veteran Bill Sprouse.

The veterans are from all the different branches, some served overseas, some were POW's, a few served in the states. They'll be in Washington three days, seeing what they can on a weekend, with the energy they have left to do it.

Most of the veterans on the trip have never seen the World War II Memorial, and for many it's their first trip to Washington. With their advancing age, it's literally the trip of a lifetime.

"There are some in good health, some not in good health, in fact several of them had their doctors tell them not to come, but they came anyhow," Senator Kenneth Corn said.

State Senator Kenneth Corn started the fundraising effort for Operation Greatest Generation and the community pitched in. To find out more on the efforts to raise money to get the veterans to Washington, click here.