Honor Flight fundraiser set for Saturday

May 16—EPHRATA — A nacho and taco feed and dessert auction will be held May 18 — also known as Armed Forces Day — by the Ephrata American Legion and Auxilliary. Proceeds from the event will help veterans who served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the War on Terror go to see memorials in Washington D.C. that were built in their honor.

Honor Flight was started to recognize U.S. Military Veterans of World War II by flying them back to see the WWII Memorial. Korean War Veterans were later added to the veterans being honored along with veterans of other eras whose health warranted them going before the time set for their era of service.

"The funds we raise through our annual event benefits Inland Northwest Honor Flight. We'd been doing some fundraisers over the years, but several years ago we were very impressed with a 9-year-old, Justin Peterson, who started raising funds with a nacho feed and dessert auction. Over the years we've kept that tradition (kinda) — we have a Taco/Nacho Feed with Dessert Auction; and, always held on Armed Forces Day," said Jane Montaney, past president of the American Legion Auxilliary.

The food fun runs from 5-7 p.m. — barring food running out. Desserts will be auctioned off during the meal and an Honor Flight video will be shown. Five veterans who have participated in the program will share their experiences. Other veterans interested in sharing may contact Montaney at 509-760-1433 prior to the event.

Applications to go on an Honor Flight will be available at the event for interested veterans. The post is located at 276 Eighth Ave. NW in Ephrata.