Honor bound: WWII vets to see memorial

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. has been a popular destination since it opened in 2004.

While it's hosted countless thousands of visitors from all over the world, there are still hundreds of Austin area veterans who have yet to see it.

That's what Tuesday's event at Austin City Hall was organized for.

Honor Flight Austin, a nonprofit organization is asking for donations to help send at least 100 veterans for a tribute weekend at the World War II Memorial and the Arlington National Cemetery.

Ernest Banasau, a Vietnam veteran, said the World War II generation deserves no less.

"[They deserve] to get the honor they deserve, to see what we as a nation want to leave as their legacy in the Washington mall with their monument," he said.

It's an important cause for Jeff Ballenger, who has helped raise at least $2 million toward "honor flights" in Iowa and West Texas.

"My grandfather was a WWII veteran from West Texas, rural Texas," Ballenger said. "We used to sit in the front porch and visit a little bit and I just think we owe a debt of gratitude to our greatest generation. And I think this is a very, very small way to say thank you."

How to help

Those interested in donating toward these one of veterans weekend flights can do so by donating online.

Ballenger said time is of the essence especially for aging veterans like 91-year-old Ramon Galindo.

Galindo said he wants to honor his friends before it's too late.

"We all wonder who is going to be next," said Galindo. "Because every year or every so often I get the notice that one of my buddies died, and it makes you feel a little more sad."