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Pocono News Section
Local Vets Take Trip to WWII Memorial
Local Vets Take Trip to WWII Memorial - Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 4:10PM EST
Reported by: Eva Mastromatteo
Tuesday, Apr 29, 2008 @ 04:10pm EST
PLAINS TWP., LUZERNE COUNTY- An exciting, yet humbling day for 60 local veterans preparing to see a symbol of their dedication to the United States military. John Hogan of Plymouth said, “I’d crawl to get there!”
86-year-old John Hogan has been waiting to see the World War II monument in Washington, DC. The veteran of the Navy has secured a seat on one of several busses leaving Plains Township for the trip.
It's a free outing for the vets thanks to donations raised by class members working on a project through the non-profit group, Leadership Wilkes-Barre.
Rebecca McCafferey of Leadership Wilkes-Barre said, "This is a really great generation. It's important for them to see their memorial. So many of them have never had the opportunity to go."
Although he's not as steady on his feet as he used to be, Elwood Ide of Dallas, an 86-year-old veteran of the Marine Corps, says being in the military helped form his life. "I was greatful I was healthy enough to get in the Marine Corp. I didn't know if I would or not. I've never been sorry I went in. It was a great experience," he said.
And now this is a new one - years after all the time spent in uniform. Joseph Tullis of Hamlin said, "Most of us from the area, we did the job. From all walks of life. They did a great job in Europe and the Pacific."
Looking at the faces of those who served you know many war stories are part of their history and now this new experience will likely add to the respect for their comrades - and the honor surrounding their own time spent serving their country.
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