WRAL is partnering with the Flight of Honor program to provide a very special trip for veterans of World War II. The program gives veterans an opportunity to travel in groups on a commercial, chartered flight for a day trip to visit the World War II Memorial erected in their honor in Washington D.C.

The Triangle Flight of Honor will bring veterans in groups of 100 on a chartered flight. Veterans must apply for the flights and are accepted on a first-come first-served basis. 

Veterans do not pay the $500 cost for their seat, organizers said. Instead, they are either sponsored by specific fund-raising projects, or they apply for general admission, and public donations are used to support the remaining expense of each flight.

On Aug. 26, 2010, WRAL Studios hosted a two- hour phone bank to raise money for the project. Telephone and web donations during that time raised $50,481.

Donations are still being accepted online or visit any Triangle area Bank of America branch.

The Triangle Flight of Honor's inaugural trip is scheduled for Thursday, October 7.

Due to overwhelming response, a second flight is being planned for Nov. 4.

Thanks to WRAL.com for this capcom story & graphic.