Charles Ring’s trip to Washington D.C. earlier this summer is one the Lake Orion resident said he’ll never forget.
Ring was among a group of Michigan World War II Veterans who visited the National WWII Memorial thanks to Honor Flight Michigan, Inc.
Royal Oak businessman Dave Cameron and his wife, Carole, founded the non-profit organization, which raises funds to send World War II Veterans to see the monument free of charge.
The organization covers travel costs of about $300 for each veteran. Guardian assistants also travel with the veterans, paying their own way.
Ring’s son, Charles Ring III, accompanied his father on the trip in early July, which included over 50 veterans and guardians in all.
Ring said having his son, who resides in Washington Township, on the trip with him was a really special feeling.
Ring’s 8th Marine regiment was with other Marine Divisions on the front lines when the battle ended on Okinawa.
After the Peace Treaty was signed, their 2nd Marine Division was sent to Nagusaki, where he helped search for weapons to destroy, so they could not be used again.
A Purple Heart recipient, Ring was given the honor to assist in laying the wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during his trip to the memorial.
The World War II Memorial opened to the public in 2004.
Honor Flight Michigan is funded by public donations. Ring said his trip was made possible by a donation from a group of students in Royal Oak.
Honor flight #6 is planned for September.
For more details, visit www.honorflightmichigan.com The site alco contains a list of the honor roll making the trips possible.