State Senator Kenneth Corn (D-Poteau) said this week he wants the men and women who traveled to distant lands to fight for American freedom during World War II to have the opportunity to travel to the nation's capital to see first hand the memorial erected in their honor.
"I want every World War II veteran that is able to make the trip to Washington, D.C., to be able to do so, regardless of their ability to pay," Corn said. "These brave soldiers laid their lives on the line for the blanket of democracy under which all Oklahomans sleep. The least we can do is make certain they have the opportunity to see the wonderful memorial in our nation's capital."
Corn, along with State Reps. Neil Brannon (D-Arkoma) and Glen "Bud" Smithson (D-Sallisaw) are calling on the help of private citizens, local businesses and other veterans' organization to answer the call to pledge their financial support to make this dream a reality for the veterans that are still alive today. The lawmakers are calling the initiative "Project Greatest Generation."
Brannon said according to numbers from the Oklahoma Department of Veteran's Affairs, Senate District 4 and House Districts 2 and 3, which encompass all of LeFlore County and portions of Sequoyah County, have 1,757 World War II Veterans.
Phillip Driskill, Oklahoma Department of Veteran Affairs executive director, said he is pleased to hear about Corn's vision for the WW II veterans in his district and says he will work closely with the senator to make his dream a reality.
"Oklahomans have always answered the call to help their fellow man-it's what we call the spirit of Oklahoma," Driskill said. "I have no doubt that this endeavor would be any different."
Smithson concluded by saying often times Americans forget the sacrifice those in uniform make when they volunteer to serve their country.
"I believe the trip to Washington, D.C., to take in the sites of the WW II Memorial would be a fitting tribute to our Greatest Generation of residents," Smithson said. "Let's come together for this cause and show the rest of Oklahoma the generosity that runs deep within our roots here in Southeastern Oklahoma."
Anyone wishing to make a donation to "Project Greatest Generation" can do so through the VFW in Sallisaw or in Heavener at the American Legion. Veterans wishing to participate in the trip are encouraged to contact the Muskogee Claims office of the Oklahoma Department of Veteran Affairs at 1-888-655-2838.
