Social Studies students at Starr’s Mill High were determined to send more World War II veterans this year on a one-day trip to see their memorial in Washington, D.C.

Last year the students raised $2,400 for Honor Flight Fayette, an organization that provides free trips to the memorial for WWII veterans. The trips are funded through donations.

The timing couldn’t have been better with the two-week fundraiser coming on the heels of a unit on WWII. After teachers explained what Honor Flight does and what it means to veterans to visit the memorial, students were asked to spread the word to family and friends and request donations. The school also had one military hat day where students paid $1 to wear a military hat all day.

“Our goal was to raise as much as last year,” says social studies teacher Charlotte Robinson. “We were amazed that we were able to double it. I think it helped that many of the students remembered the fundraiser and visit from the veterans the year before.”

Honor Flight Fayette brought a group of WWII veterans to the school in May to accept the $4,800 donation from the students. The veterans told the students incredible stories of survival, triumphs and grief.

“The students were in awe hearing the stories first-hand from men who survived D-Day and other battles. The students understand that many of these men were their age or close to it while fighting this war,” says Robinson.

“I was personally brought to tears when the veterans thanked us for Honor Flight. I said the money for Honor Flight is one small way we can attempt to say thank you to them for their sacrifice and bravery.”