Founded in 2005, the Honor Flight program sends veterans to Washington, D.C., to see war memorials.

The focus, so far, has been on World War II veterans, as they are in their 80s and 90s and are running out of time to see the memorial dedicated to their war, which was finished in 2004.

Some facts about the Honor Flights:

¢ It was started by Earl Morse, a physician’s assistant and retired Air Force captain who lives in Springfield, Ohio. He saw the need and desire for the program from the veterans he helped treat through his job.

¢ Veterans go on the flights free of charge. Grant funding and personal donations cover the cost.

¢ The flights are one-day events. Veterans leave in the morning and arrive back the same night.

¢ The national organization has a waiting list for veterans. World War II veterans and those with terminal illnesses are given first priority. After that, Korean War and Vietnam veterans are chosen.

¢ The program has 69 “hub” sites in 30 states. Its goal is to have hubs in all 50 states.

¢ The Kansas hub for the program, at Lyndon High School, had its maiden Honor Flight in November 2007. Two more flights occurred April 30 and May 3.

¢ The organization’s Web site is www.honorflight.org.