Veterans can go to D.C. free

It’s not too late for World War II and Korean War veterans to sign up for a free bus trip May 5 to Washington, D.C.

Supporters of the Beaver-Pittsburgh bus trip have been running the one-day trips to the nation’s capital since 2006 when they were started through the efforts of Coraopolis businessman Jim Hilts.

Lydian Fisher of Brighton rode along as a nurse on that first trip. She and husband Jerry, a Navy veteran, are among the volunteers who have kept the program going.

“We think these fellows and gals deserve recognition,” Mrs. Fisher said. “We figure to keep running these trips until the money runs out.”

More than 1,600 veterans from southwestern Pennsylvania have filled 34 buses over the years. It costs about $3,000 to provide transportation, food and souvenir caps for each busload of vets, Mrs. Fisher said.

In past years, World War II veterans filled as many as five buses. One bus, open to both World War II and Korean War vets, will make this year’s trip to the World War II Memorial, Korean War Memorial and Arlington Cemetery.

Another bus trip is scheduled for the first Tuesday in October.

The program is free for veterans, who must be mobile enough to get on and off the bus. Wheelchairs will be available at each stop.

The veterans will be accompanied by a nurse and eight to 10 volunteers, including two high school ROTC students.

For more information or reservations: 724-709-3614.

Beaver-Pittsburgn Veterans Bus Trips are funded solely by donations, which can be sent to ESB Bank, 701 Corporation St., Beaver, PA 15009. Attn: Paula.