RUMFORD – Loretta Bard works with veterans everyday as a nurse at the Rumford Veterans Clinic. She hears their stories. She knows the pride they have taken in their service to what has been termed the “good war.”

And now, with the monument in Washington, D.C. about to be dedicated to the millions of soldiers and sailors who served in that war, she thinks those who want to see it, should.

With hundreds of World War II veterans living in western Maine, she’s sure that at least 50 will want to go.

So, too, does Albert Paul, 85, a soldier who served six years in the U.S. Army, including the four years of World War II.

Together, they are organizing a low-cost chance to travel to D.C. next Memorial Day to witness the dedication. It may also be a chance for veterans to reunite with old service friends.

“We want to get some of the vets out there, especially the World War II ones. I hear hundreds of stories,” she said.

For the past few weeks she has been working with an Auburn charter bus company and the 4-H National Council Convention Center that will provide two nights’ accommodations in D.C. to try to organize an inexpensive trip for the event.

And she’s found it. Now, she wants to find 50 veterans, men or women, who want to go. The sooner the decision is made, the better. Oct. 1 is the deadline. The bus line and the convention center need to know very soon whether the Rumford-based group can come up with a contract.

So far, 14 have signed up, said Paul, including one Rumford veteran who is 94 and plans to take the trip, thanks to his family who are paying the costs.

World War II veterans from the Rumford, Farmington and Jay/Livermore Falls areas will be given first preference, followed closely by Korean War vets. There’s a new monument to veterans of that conflict in Washington, D.C. as well.

If space allows, other veterans will be invited, also. The cost of the round-trip bus trip and two nights accommodations is $225. The bus would leave Auburn early May 28, attend the dedication on May 29, then return to Auburn the evening of May 30.

“I think this trip is important because of the age and the recognition of World War II vets. They’ve all talked about their experiences so much,” she said.

Bard, although not a veteran or former serviceperson herself, has known many: Her husband, brother, aunt, uncle and now, two nephews. In addition to Bard, Patricia Odencrantz, Paul’s daughter who is also a nurse, will accompany the veterans.

The World War II monument is expected to be completed in Washington, D.C. in March. Several years and many millions of dollars raised through donations is making it possible.

Those who wish to reserve a seat for the bus to Washington, D.C. may phone Bard at 364-4098, Paul at 364-8617, or contact any of the area’s Veterans of Foreign Wars or American Legion posts.

eadams@sunjournal.com

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