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Veterans leave for ‘Wish of a Lifetime’ trip to U.S. capital

Gary Stelzer/Stafftaff ph photographer Marion Riggs, 86, served as a front gunner on the U.S. Navy Landing Ship Tank 284 during World War II.

ENLARGE PHOTO

Photos: Veterans take trip to D.C.

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By Denise Wilson, Staff Writer Updated 1:58 AM Wednesday, March 31, 2010

MONROE — Bob Riggs and his 11-year-old twins, Chase and Jack, were at Mount Pleasant Retirement Village Tuesday, March 30, to give their grandfather and great grandfather a hero's send-off.

Marion Riggs, 86, who served as a front gunner on the U.S. Navy Landing Ship Tank 284 during World War II was one of 16 WWII and Korean War veterans from Mount Pleasant who were honored before boarding a tour bus on a three-day trip to Washington, D.C.

They will visit memorials and tour the capital, courtesy of Wish of a Lifetime Foundation.

“He’s never been to Washington D.C. He always says that he’s been everywhere around the world except Washington, D.C. Now he gets a chance to go there,” said Bob Riggs of his dad. “He’s excited to see all the memorials and all the monuments and everything in D.C. Ever since the first day he’s heard about it, he’s been excited about it and that’s all he talks about,” he said.

Other members of the Riggs family were also there in support.

About 75 family members to the veterans, Monroe City Council officials, local and state politicians and Mount Pleasant staff and residents gathered outside Mount Pleasant Place sharing stories, taking photos, waving American flags, and holding signs that read “Thank You For Our Freedom” and “Because Of You USA Is Free.”

The Cincinnati Christian High School Band and the Razors Edge Barbershop Quartet also performed during the 15-minute event.

Lori Shutrump, Mount Pleasant’s activity director, got the idea for the trip after reading an article in Sports Illustrated magazine about Jeremy Bloom, a former Olympic skier and professional football player whose foundation helps makes seniors’ lifelong dreams come true.

Bloom, whose foundation was built on the premise that senior citizens should be respected, honored and aided, attended the ceremony.

“My generation grew up in a culture that celebrates youth and celebrity and money. A lot of times the greatest generation that ever walked the face of the planet is forgotten about, and I wanted to make sure through my organization and through the work that we do that we never forget about this generation,” he said.

“The next three days is all about you and saying ‘thank you’ for what you’ve done for all of us, and our country and your families. May God bless the next three days and our journey to Washington, D.C., as we take American heroes to the state’s capital.”

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