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During World War II, Samuel Jenkins of Daphne served with the United States Army in the philippines. He says he never allowed himself to think about the day he would come home.
"I didn't give it a thought," he says. "One day at a time. One day at a time."
Tom McClellan was one of five brothers who served in that war. A sixth served in Korea. He credits his mother's prayers with their safe return. But today, he's the only one still alive.
"I remember them as patriotic boys, men," he says in a soft voice. "and I hope to make this journey in their memory."
A journey in their memory...to Washington, DC to see the World War II Memorial. Both Jenkins and McClellan are on the list to make their trip next month, thanks to a project called South Alabama Honor Flight.
"It's in their honor. They gave up their youth to bring our country form the brink of no telling what to what we have lived through since then."
That's Dr. Barry Booth, himself a Vietnam veteran. He's leading the charge to take the area's first planeload of WWII vets to the capitol to see their memorial. South Alabama Honor Flight is run purely on donations. And they hope they can raise additional funds for additional flights, before these old soldiers miss their opportunity. Four vets booked on next month's flight have already passed away.
"To see them at their memorial," he says, his voice choking, "it is so significant for total strangers to show their appreciation...and sincere gratitude for what they did for the nation."
And they won't go alone. Wayne Davis and Ken Niemeyer are two of several guardians who will watch over the veterans. Willis served as a Navy diver in Vietnam.
"We need to remember them and honor them for that sacrifice," says Willis, "because the world would be a very different place were it not for them."
As for Meimeyer, his story is very different. As a student, he vigorously protested the Vietnam war. But disagreement, he says does not interfere with honor.
"I don't think I could ever express how strongly I feel about the people who have given for this country." And then, his voice trembling, he says, "These people... are my heroes!"
And, with your help, they will be treated like heroes. In Mobile, Here's Darwin, NBC 15 News.
