Operation Resolve Melrose has collected more than $5,000 in donations to pay for a trip for local World War II and Korean War veterans to the World War II monument in Washington, DC.

Generous donations from local organizations, businesses and residents will allow the veterans to make the trip for free. The Veterans Services Office is still accepting applications from veterans for the trip, and it is now accepting applications from Korean War-era veterans as well. The goal is to host as many Melrose veterans as possible as we visit the World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War Monuments in additional to Arlington National Cemetery.

“I am touched that so many donors have stepped forward to help with this wonderful project,” said Mayor Rob Dolan. “It shows that the community still remembers and respects the sacrifices these veterans made for us.”

The weekend trip to Washington, DC, is being organized by the Operation Resolve Club at the Veterans Memorial Middle School and is co-sponsored by the City of Melrose and local veterans’ organizations as a way to thank these veterans for their service. The Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School students will accompany the veterans and make a video diary of their experiences.

“The generosity of this city towards its veteran population continues to amaze me,” said Veteran Services Officer Ryan McLane. “I am honored to be a part of this trip and hope to see any many veterans as possible sign up for what is sure to be a memorable weekend.”

The Veterans Services Office has assisted in the fundraising effort by selling raffle calendars that include a chance for a drawing every day in March. In addition, donations have been received from a number of individuals and organizations to include the following:

James and Ellen Herrington

Sally G. Stubbs

Stewart A. Don, CPA, PC

Lelah E. Costello

Irene Lantzakis

Anne L. Swenson

Liberty Bell restaurant

Constance and Michael Castro

G. Drouin

Luigi and Jeanna Bertolaccini

Michele and Steven Ziogas

Dana and Kimberly Wiklund

Susan Bell

Diane and Guido Federico

Julia W. Apostolos

Peter and Diana Telis

Kenneth A. West

Robert and Jennifer Driscoll

David and Paula Meegan

Margaret and Anthony Sorrentino

Martin and Eileen Stanton

Melrose Education Association

Melrose Firefighters I.A.F.F. Local 1617

Melrose Rotary

Mass Bay Credit Union

Amvets Post 21

Naomi Baline, in honor of her father

Mayor Rob Dolan, in honor of Mayor James E. Milano

Alderman Bill Forbes, in honor of his daughter Julie, who is currently serving in Afghanistan

James McNeil

James and Jacquelyn Connolly

Adrianne and Douglas Wagner

Mary Edwards

Virginia and Mark Lombardo

Donations can be sent to Operation Resolve, c/o Melrose Veterans Services Office, 562 Main St., Melrose, MA 02176. If you would like to help sponsor the trip for a veteran, please call the Veteran Services Office at 781-979-4186 or email Ryan McLane (rmclane@cityofmelrose.org)