Corn and Smithson said they want to offer a trip to the memorial for every World War II veteran in Sequoyah and LeFlore Counties, and they are calling upon civic groups, businesses, industries and individuals to help pay for the trip. They estimate the trip will cost about $800 per person, which will cover airfare and a hotel. The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs has agreed to provide any medical services needed on the trip.
Donations may be made through the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and America Legion posts in the two counties, and be considered donations for tax deduction purposes, the legislators said.
Martens said the chamber would be happy to help collect the names of those who wish to go on the trip.
Tom Long, quartermaster for VFW Post No. 4518 in Sallisaw, said he has established an account for donations at First National Bank in Sallisaw. Anyone wishing to donate to the project may deposit the money in VFW Post No. 4518 Greatest Generation Account. Long said he has contacted about 17 veterans, and nine have signed up for the trip.
"Many of them are in ill health or their spouse is sick," Long explained.
The World War II generation and veterans have become known as The Greatest Generation because of their success in World War II.
Smithson, Corn and State Rep. Neil Brannon (D-Arkoma) devised the project and are asking everyone to help. They hope to make the trip to Washington, D.C., in early May. The deadline for veterans to sign up for the trip is Thursday, but Corn and Smithson said that deadline could be extended for veterans who may not have heard of the program. The deadline to make a donation for the project will be the last of March.
Corn said, "There are 1,500 World War II veterans dying every day. We talked about how great it would be to send any who can to see the memorial."
Corn said it was during President Gerald Ford's funeral, which he was watching on television, that the idea came to him. He noted that President Ford's casket was stopped for a moment in front of the World War II Memorial, which was dedicated in 2004. President Ford was a World War II veteran.
"Many veterans have not seen the memorial," he said.
Smithson added, "Many veterans are not in good enough health to make the trip, including my own father who is an invalid. But it means a lot to him if another veteran could go in his place. My family wants to send a couple of veterans in honor of my father."
The lawmakers are calling the initiative "Project Greatest Generation."
Smithson and Corn said about 1,757 World War II veterans live in Sequoyah and LeFlore Counties, according to the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs. They said they hope every business and industry will sponsor at least one veteran on the trip.
World War II veterans interested in going on the trip may submit their name, contact information, service and the theater in which they served to the chamber or to VFW Post No. 4518.
"I think this is a very obtainable goal," Corn said. "It's a very emotional thing for these veterans."
Smithson said, "We have had a great reception to this idea from the public."
The legislators said they hope to beg and "mooch" all they can to help send the veterans to the visit the memorial.
"We want to enlist the help of you all," Corn said. "Many veterans will never have the opportunity to see that memorial."
Smithson said, "We are asking everyone to sponsor someone on this trip in honor of their own families."
For information on donating contact Tom Long at VFW Post No. 4518 at (918) 775-6952.
