Now, it’s time to raise money.

That’s what Pete Mathias told a crowd Sunday afternoon at Austin American Legion Post No. 91.

“It’s time for people to step forward,” Mathias challenged the audience.

Every World War II veteran wants to make an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. to see the WWII Veterans Memorial.

The veterans ride free of charge, but their guardian escorts must pay, and there’s also a price to put a U.S. Airways jet into the skies for the flight.

America’s “Greatest Generation” literally cannot get on the Honor Flight planes without the guardian escorts.

That’s why the Southeast Minnesota Honor Flight board of directors is urging veterans organizations and the public to make donations.

That’s why Post No. 91’s Commander, Everett DeYoung, is organizing a biscuits and gravy fundraising breakfast 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday at the Legion Post.

That’s why Hayfield American Legion Post No. 330 held a pancake breakfast last Sunday morning and raised $500.

There’s a certain amount of desperation at work with the Honor Flight program: The men and women it seeks to recognize are dying.

“I understand Post No. 91 had 15 funerals of its comrades in February,” Mathias said. “And we all know between 1,500 and 2,000 World War II veterans are dying every day, so that’s why we have to do this as quickly as possible.”

Mathias and Rosemary (Lair) Harris were guest speakers at a program held Sunday afternoon at Post No. 91 to recruit interested people to become guardian escorts on Honor Flights and to raise money.

“We’re looking for more guardian escorts to ensure these veterans have a trip of their lifetime to Washington, D.C.” Harris said. “We need your help.”

When WWII veterans at the meeting tried to make donations of their own, they were rejected. “We don’t accept any money from our veterans,” Mathias emphasized.

The Honor Flight program began in 2004, according to Mathias,

“Piper Cub and other small airplanes used to fly six or eight veterans to Washington and now we do it with airliners,” he said.

Today, there are 69 hubs in 30 states, transporting WW II veterans to Washington, D.C. for a day-long tour.

The first flights from the Rochester hub occurred in April and October 2008 at an expense of $75,000 and $85,000, respectively.

A total of 168 veterans made the two trips.

“Ten or 11 flights arrive each day in Washington,” Mathias said. “They are made between April and October.”

The flights are made with guardian escorts, who pay $550 each to make a flight, as well as doctors and paramedics who donated their time. Wheelchairs are supplied those veterans who need them.

Last year’s flights departed Rochester International Airport at 5:30 a.m. and returned at 10 p.m.

According to Mathias, the veterans receive send-offs from well-wishers for each flight, welcome ceremonies when they arrive at Ronald Reagan International Airport and another welcome when they return to Minnesota.

The day-long tours take them to the WWII Veterans Memorial as well as other memorials near the Reflecting Pool and Washington Monument such as the Vietnam and Korean war veterans memorials and Lincoln Memorial.

Meals are provided and the veterans have their own “mail call” on the flights and open cards written by area school students.

Fourteen Austin veterans made the trips last year. Four more are signed up to make the trip in May and another 12 in October.

Twenty-four local veterans remain on the waiting list for future Honor Flights.

Donald Kofron made a trip to D.C. last year. Greg “Bud” Johnson is on the waiting list to make a future flight.

Their reactions to the program were typical.

“It was the greatest experience like it of my lifetime,” Kofron, a decorated WW II pilot, said. “Everything was first-class all the way. It was a honor to make the right.”

“I’ve heard so much about the Honor Flights and I’m looking forward to being a part of one of these days,” said Johnson, also a decorated WW II pilot.

Six Albert Lea area veterans made trips last year and 16 are scheduled to make an Honor Flight this year. There are 33 more on the waiting list. Not only do the veterans experience an emotional reunion with their comrades, but so do their guardian escorts, who accompany them.

Honor Flight donations may be sent to: Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial, 201 Fourth St. S.E., Room 150, Rochester, MN 55904.

For more information about the Honor Flight program, call Mathias at (507) 251-4557; Ted Adams at (507) 282-2449; or Harry Kerr at (507) 281-0416.