Gail Sparrow, President of Honor Flight Fayette and recently retired teacher, spoke to a group of her peers at a meeting of the Fayette County Retired Educators Association about her organization and the urgent need it is striving to fulfill.

Honor Flight Fayette is a non-profit organization, staffed only by volunteers, which was created solely to honor America's World War II veterans for all their sacrifices by flying them to Washington, D.C. free of charge. This one day trip will give them the opportunity to visit and reflect at the Memorial with their comrades in arms from Fayette

County and enjoy the thanks and recognition they will receive during the entire day from each grateful citizen they meet.

Unfortunately, we are losing these heroes at the rate of 1,200 or more per day in this country, so time is of the essence when we speak of showing them tangible evidence of our gratitude.

This truly "greatest generation" is a humble lot who doesn't speak about or boast of their sacrifices. They feel that their service for this country was an honor and duty.

Sparrow emphasized to this group that no money will be accepted from WWII veterans, but she and fellow organizers feel that Fayette County is populated by generous citizens who have the resources to help show appreciation for what these men and women did for our nation.

Guardians also are needed to help with the veterans during the day trip. They will have to pay their own way, but will have the special privilege of sharing the flight with these veterans who have so much to share.

Honor Flight Fayette has a web site at honorflightfayette.org where you can learn more about this organization, part of a recognized national group, print out veteran, guardian and volunteer applications and learn where to send donations to help make this worthwhile cause a reality for our county's WWII veterans.

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