Reed to Pay Tribute to World War II Honor Flight Veterans

WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to recognize and honor the men and women who valiantly
served our country during World War II, U.S. Senator Jack Reed will welcome 24 Rhode
Island World War II veterans to our nation’s capital tomorrow, Saturday, April 1 at
10:45 a.m., and thank them for their service and sacrifice.

The group will travel from Rhode Island to Washington, DC on a trip sponsored by the
Honor Flight Network and the Rhode Island Association of Fire Chiefs, who seek to
honor the sacrifices of our veterans by transporting them free of charge to our
nation’s capital to tour the monument built in their honor and other historic
landmarks.

«Every one of these two dozen veterans answered the call to serve. I am honored to
salute them, hear their stories, and show them their memorial. Words cannot express
our gratitude for their service and sacrifice. These World War II heroes will
forever have our utmost admiration, respect, and appreciation,» said Reed, a West
Point graduate whose father served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Each veteran is escorted by a volunteer «guardian,» who assists them with any of
their needs throughout the day. The group is scheduled to depart T.F. Green Airport
at 7:45 a.m. and after a full day in Washington, DC, return to Rhode Island after 9
p.m.

The National World War II Memorial was completed in 2004, 59 years after the war
ended. The memorial consists of 56 granite pillars and a pair of small triumphal
arches surrounding a plaza and fountain, and is located on the National Mall between
the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. The 56 pillars represent national
unity and are connected by a bronze sculpted rope that symbolizes the bonding of the
nation. Each state and territory from that period and the District of Columbia is
represented by a pillar adorned with oak and wheat bronze wreaths and inscribed with
its name. The pillars are arranged in the order of entry into the Union,
alternating south to north across the plaza beginning adjacent to the Field of Gold
Stars.

Rhode Island World War II veterans who wish to apply for a future Honor Flight may
contact George S. Farrell at (401) 741-7999 or visit the Honor Flight Rhode Island
website