Bayard Crumpton, vice president of the Roxboro Rotary Club, made that statement during a press conference at Palace Pointe Monday when he and Roxboro Rotary President Margaret McMann announced plans for a “Ride of Honor” to honor Person County’s World War II veterans.

The WW II veterans, along with their guardians/caregivers, will be transported via Southern Coach of Durham to Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, May 9, to visit the World War II Memorial that was built and dedicated in 2004. There will be no costs involved for veterans or the companions accompanying them.

In addition to visiting the World War II Memorial, the “Ride of Honor” will also make stops at Arlington Cemetery and other points of interest as time allows.

The “Ride of Honor” is slated to depart Person County at 7 a.m. on May 9 and return that evening by about 7 p.m.

“Provisions will be made to accommodate the physically challenged,” according to a Rotary Club release. “EMT/medical personnel will be on each motor coach. There will be a rest stop every two hours. Beverages and snacks will be provided throughout the trip. A box lunch will be provided during lunchtime.”

Crumpton said he was excited about the proposed “Ride of Honor.”

“And, I hope the excitement is contagious,” Crumpton added.

He went on to quote Will Rogers on the importance of Personians honoring their World War II veterans.

“All of us cannot be heroes,” Crumpton said. “Some of us must stand by the curb and clap as they go by.”

Crumpton later quoted former NBC news anchor Tom Brokaw saying the World War II veterans represent “the greatest generation” in our country.

McMann said the idea for the “Ride of Honor” stemmed from a similar project in Hendersonville last year. Veterans in that community were taken to the World War II Memorial as part of “Honor Air.”

Over 200 veterans signed up for “Honor Air,” and Hendersonville businessman Jeff Miller raised $133,000 in a 12-week period to make the project a reality.

McMann noted that handicap accessible buses from Southern Motor Coach of Durham would be used for the “Ride of Honor.”

“We are going to take royal good care of you,” McMann told veterans attending Monday’s press conference.

Many of those in attendance were affiliated with the Person County VFW, which will also aid in the project.

“You will be able to take someone with you,” McMann said, adding that veterans could invite a spouse, son, daughter, grandchild or a close friend.

McMann estimated Monday that Person County has between “60 and 100” World War II veterans who are still living. She said that she would like for “each and every one of them” to be able to take part in the “Ride of Honor.”

McMann and Crumpton each stressed that physical limitations should not hinder veterans from taking part in the “Ride of Honor.”

“We don’t want physical limitations or health issues to be a concern,” McMann said. “We will have people on hand to assist with any needs.”

“We can provide for anything for one day,” Crumpton said. “We can do it. Please do not let the need to use a wheelchair or oxygen keep you from signing up for this trip.”

Person County World War II veterans wishing to take part in the “Ride of Honor” can complete a registration packet, which can be picked up at the following locations:

• Person County Museum of History at 309 N. Main St. on Wednesday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.;

• Person County Veterans’ Services’ office at 216 W. Barden St.;

• The Roxboro Area Chamber of Commerce at 211 N. Main St.

Veterans can also phone the Veterans’ Project Hotline at 597-9911 and leave a name, address and phone number and a packet will be mailed.

In order to make the “Ride of Honor” a reality for Person County’s World War II veterans, the Roxboro Rotary Club is calling for a community-wide fundraising drive in order to cover all expenses for veterans. The estimated cost for each veteran, along with a guardian/caregiver, is $400.

The Rotary Club said the fundraising drive, which began Monday, would continue through Monday, April 16.

Donations for the “Ride of Honor” are tax deductible and may be made through the Roxboro Rotary Club Veterans’ Project. Donations can be mailed to Roxboro Rotary Club WWII Veterans’ Project, P.O. Box 1674, Roxboro, N.C. 27573.

“The trip will be a celebration and an honor from the entire community of Roxboro and Person County,” Crumpton said.

For additional information, call Crumpton at 599-3455 or 504-4433, McMann at 597-2689, Randy King at 597-2433, Dave Bradsher at 599-0266 or Billy Horner at 599-9502.