Veterans travel to D.C. to see their memorial

Eric Leake

Friday, May 6, 2005 | 11:10 a.m.

An improvised platoon of World War II veterans assembled Thursday night at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1753 for a new assignment: Get to Washington, D.C.

The 26 veterans, nearly all in their 80s, are traveling to the capital to see the war memorial built in their honor.

The old soldiers wore military hats and pins. Some had thick glasses and canes. They laughed and told stories as they prepared to leave.

"Most of these guys are like a little kid with a first candy bar. They're really excited about going to see that," said retired Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Sy Kellogg, the VFW post captain.

"It's going to be something. It's going to bring goosebumps and tears, I tell you, when we see that memorial," he said.

Kellogg, 80, still seemed surprised at the opportunity Thursday as he introduced Nannette Fader, the woman covering the costs of the trip.

Fader, 31, is paying all expenses, including airfare, lodging and food. She expected the total cost to be around $12,000.

A friend said Fader had to refinance her house to fund the trip. But Fader, a real estate agent and massage therapist, has not asked for any help with the bill.

"It doesn't matter to me if it takes five years to pay it off. It's worth every penny," she said.

Fader said she first thought of the trip last year when the memorial opened. Her grandfather was a World War II veteran and died before he could see it.

"I just thought it was something he would have enjoyed had he been here and been able to make the trip. He loved telling war stories," she said.

"And now, sadly enough, I wish I had paid attention," Fader said. "I thought in his memory I could take as many men and women as possible from Las Vegas."

Fader said she did not want any attention for her generosity but for the focus to be on the veterans.

"These men are living history," she said. "I think they're phenomenal people and appreciate everything they've done for us."

The veterans left for Washington Thursday night. Their plans include lunch with Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, then an afternoon at the memorial.

If their energy holds up, they may also see more of the capital before returning to Las Vegas on Saturday night.

The National World War II memorial opened April 29, 2004. It honors the 16 million people who served in the nation's armed forces and the 400,000 who died in that service.

Before they left, Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt thanked the veterans on behalf of the state and generations of American Thursday. She gave each a proclamation of appreciation.

Hunt called the veterans heros. Then she noted that Fader is a hero too, for taking them to see the memorial.

Kellogg said none of the World War II veterans previously had seen the memorial. For many, he said, this trip is their only opportunity.

Seaman Stanley Greer, the youngest of the World War II veterans at 77 years old, said the trip was a unique opportunity.

"It's something that comes along once in a lifetime," he said. "If I hit Megabucks I'd probably do the same thing."

Greer said he would not know what effect the memorial might have upon him until he is standing before it.

Having the opportunity, he said, when so many died in the war or since, makes him one of the lucky ones.

"We're all old men now. All we can do is look, that's all. There's not much you can say," Greer said.

"You're standing there looking at a wall or a memorial and say, 'Thank God I can see it.' "

archive