WWII vets make Western Md. their base for D.C. visit

HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) — About 200 elderly Midwestern military veterans and “Rosie the Riveter” factory workers are making Hagerstown their base camp for a free tour of monuments in the nation’s capital.

Eleven motor coaches chartered by the nonprofit VetsRoll organization of South Beloit, Illinois, are heading for Washington Tuesday. They’re carrying World War II and Korean War veterans, along with women who filled in for men at factories during the second World War.

The group left Beloit, Wisconsin, Sunday and spent Monday night in Hagerstown, about 70 miles west of Washington. They return to Hagerstown Tuesday night before making the long return trip on Wednesday.

The organization says it has provided the experience for more than 900 veterans and Rosies since 2010.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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