The World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. honors what many call the Greatest Generation.

Opened to the public in 2004, it honors the 16 million who served this country, the more than 400,000 who died and all who supported the World War II effort.

"This is about an entire nation, a generation of Americans, that at one moment stood up on a global scale to defend our principles and ideals and in so doing actually changed the course of history," said Friedrich St. Florian, the monument's architect, during the memorial's opening ceremony.

And now there is now a small but determined group of individuals who want to provide area World War II veterans with an opportunity to visit the memorial.

The Honor Flight Network is a nationwide non-profit organization created to honor America's veterans for all their sacrifices.  The organization transports some of the World War II heroes to Washington, D.C. to visit and reflect at their memorial.

Here in the local area, the network's "hub" (the Honor Flight Network calls local chapters "hubs") is the Freedom Fighters Honor Flight, a 501(c) 3-chartered organization that is headquartered in Redmond, WA.

Headed up by Vietnam veteran and American Legion Post 161 commander Jim Broe, the flight works to provide service members of the Greatest Generation with round-trip airfare, lodging and meals in order to make the trip.

"As these magnificent people reach the time in their lives when there is truly very little time left, we have to show our gratitude - or hang our heads in shame," wrote Broe in an email.

The Freedom Fighters Honor Flight is targeting about 20 to 30 veterans for individual flights. 

Currently, the flight is in receipt of approximately 120 eligible veterans' applications/registrations.

Broe estimates that approximately $1,000 is needed per veteran to make a trip to the memorial a reality.  At present, the organization has collected about ten thousand in donations.

"We are in dire need of some serious sponsorship so that we can make plans based upon availability," continued Broe.

Approximately 93 percent of all money donated goes directly to support the efforts to safely transport veterans to the memorial; the remaining seven percent is used for administrative costs.

A partnership exists with Alaska Airlines and Sheraton Hotels, both of which work with the Freedom Fighters Honor Flight.

What's more, every three veterans who make the trip require a "guardian," a trained caregiver.

At this time, guardians volunteer their time and money to help veterans make the trip.

Broe wrote that one individual has flown on over 200 honor flights as a guardian and paid his way each time.

A trip is tentatively planned for the latter part of April.  Money and volunteers are needed.

"I am definitely seeking help," said Broe. 

"This is very important work, and I guess it all depends on how grateful you are for being an American."

For more information on helping out or donating to the Freedom Fighters Honor Flight, visit www.freedomfightershf.com or contact Broe at (206) 999-6502.