Firefighters accompany WWII veterans to national memorial in D.C.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- World War II vet Bill Bottle remembers the good times.

"Flying the airplanes was more fun than a barrel of monkeys," said Bottle.

But he knows his up coming trip to the World War II Memorial on the National Mall will stir up other emotions.

"To see that thing it's emotional, you get a little uptight," said Bottle.

Bottle is one of 84 World War II vets that are getting a free trip to Washington, thanks to the program Honor Flight. Martin County firefighters raised the $60,000 needed to send the vets on this trip.

Based on recent 2008 statistics, the U.S. is losing World War II veterans at the rate of approximately 1,000 per day, according to Honor Flight. The program's goal is to transport America's veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit those memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifices.

Their top priority is given to America's most senior heroes — survivors of World War II and any veteran with a terminal illness who wishes to visit their memorial. The program will naturally transition to Korean War, Vietnam War and all other veterans who served, on a chronological basis.

Palm Beach County's fire chief will be escorting his father. This will be a chance to learn more about his dad's service to the country.

"The goal is very nobel. To get every WWII veteran to D.C., to see the memorial that was erected in their honor. It is very important and time is critical," said Palm Beach County Fire Chief Jerauld.

"We are all getting pretty old now. I'm 90-year-old and still active, but it is nice to see all of us can still get together," said Gordon Jerauld.

Jeff Cott was in the navy. He's preparing for the emotional journey.

"I'm very excited about it. I think its quite an honor they built it for us. We have been waiting for it for many years," said Cott.

Each veteran will have an escort. Bill Bottle's is Vanessa Ramos, a Palm Beach County firefighter and an Iraq vet.

"I respect her and salute her for what she is doing for me, she's earned it just as much or more so," said Bottle.

This group will meet once again Saturday morning to board the flight north. To share stories, to support, to grieve and to celebrate our greatest generation.