SUNBURY -- A group of close to 200 veterans and high school students are getting ready to take a bus trip to the nation's capital. The trip was organized by the Sunbury VFW and will memorialize World War II's "Victory in Europe" Day.
The JROTC met at Shikellamy High School Thursday to finalize details for the trip. The students and area veterans will take four buses to Washington, D.C. Friday morning.
Students in Shikellamy High School's JROTC program discussed "Victory in Europe" Day with their instructor. It marks the anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe.
Recently the Sunbury VFW organized a bus trip to Washington, D.C. to celebrate the 70th anniversary of VE Day on Friday. Around 70 Shikellamy students will join veterans from several wars on those buses.
"They actually wanted us to go down there as a partnership and also a chance for our cadets to talk to veterans," Lt. Col. Joe Walsh said.
Organizers say the group will include about a dozen World War II vets. The ceremony will take place in D.C. at the World War II memorial.
Through donations from local businesses and community members, the VFW was able to raise more than $7,000 for the trip.
"I'm excited to see all the aircraft, all the World War II aircraft, because it's a big interest of mine. I've always been interested in aviation," Jesse DeFeo said.
Organizers hope the interaction between the veterans and the students is beneficial.
Lieutenant Colonel Joe Walsh says it is a way to take the students' lessons out of the classroom.
"It's a connection that they won't get from any book that's out there," Walsh said.
"I learn everything through the books but hearing personal experiences is way more important," Angelique Poragratti said.
"I'm very looking forward to it to see the veterans and thank them for serving our country and finding out their stories and learning about some history they don't teach you here in school," DeFeo said.
The buses to Washington, D.C. leave Friday at 5 a.m. from the football stadium at Shikellamy High School.
