Sometime next spring, World War II veterans from Emmet County and the surrounding area will take a honor flight to Washington, D.C., where they will visit memorials and buildings sacred to our nation's history.

For many of these veterans, it will be the last flight they will ever take.

World War II began right after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor when President Franklin Delano Roosevelt called it a "day that will last in infamy." The war ended, first in Europe in May 1945 then in the Pacific theater of operations in August of that year.

The war claimed over 400,000 American lives - about seven times the number of war dead in Vietnam. A significant thing about World War II is that it was so long and so terrible. But the day after the Sunday Pearl Harbor attacks, the recruiting stations were glutted with tens of thousands of young men.

The honor flight is intended to honor those men and women who fought in both the European and Pacific theaters. Unfortunately, many of those veterans are no longer with us.

A fundraiser will be held 6 p.m. Saturday night at the Wild Rose Casino & Resort in Emmetsburg to help fund the honor flight early next spring. Half the proceeds will go toward underwriting the cost of the flight and other expenses.

Any World War II veteran interested in attending either Saturday night's fundraiser or taking next spring's honor flight is encouraged to call Larry Sundall, Emmet County veterans service officer, at 712-362-7431. An informational program will be held after Saturday night's dinner that will brief veterans on flight preparations. In addition to veterans, the dinner is open to anyone interested in learning more about becoming an escort or sponsor or anyone just interested in attending.

Escorts who would like to assist veterans on the flight may go along for $600. Business and corporate sponsors are also appreciated.

Any interested veterans, escorts or sponsors may call Sundall for further information at 712-362-7431.