The Central Illinois Honor Flight offers non-profit flights for veterans to the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. Retired professor from the School of Technology, Howard Nelms, will be on board the flight leaving today at 1 a.m. from Effingham, Ill. to Washington.

Nelms served in the U.S. Navy once he was finished with high school and served from 1945-1946. Nelms has yet to see the memorial in person.

The memorial opened to the public on April 29, 2004 and more than over $175 million to build.

The veterans will visit almost 24 other memorials during their two-day stay including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Nelms is especially proud to have his daughter alongside him during the visit.

“It means that she is supporting me as her father and veteran of World War II,” said Nelms. “Most people can’t appreciate past wars unless they’ve been engaged in them themselves so I am honored to have her there with me.”

His daughter, Renee King, instructor for the School of Business, signed her father up for the trip and will also be assisting as his guardian.

“This is very meaningful because this group of World War II veterans are such a respectable group and to be able to honor them, it’s an honor for me,” King said.

Her father was very shocked when he learned that there was even a group that did this type of service for veterans, King said.

“I think there is not enough publicity, especially with wars going on now,” Nelms said. “Currently we are not drafting people so it doesn’t get much attention.”

During World War II, the whole country had to make sacrifices, and today it is just a business, Nelms Said.

“They just think of it as their job, their duty to serve,” King said.

King could not put into words how proud she is of her father, along with all the other veterans who have served and will be taking the trip with them to Washington.

King believes that Eastern students should show their support to all veterans, especially those students who are veterans themselves.

“It’s the least we can do,” King said.

Seven planes will leave tomorrow from all over the country carrying 46 other veterans.

“I am excited to meet people from all branches and revive old memories,” Nelms said.

Allison Twaits can be reached at 581-7943 or [email protected].