George Kerestes

George Kerestes has welcomed approximately 20,000 World War II veterans to the National World War II Memorial in Washington, DC with these words: “Thank you for your service and welcome to YOUR Memorial.” George was one of 5,000 volunteers at the May 29, 2004 dedication ceremony of the World War II Memorial. Since 2006, he has served as an official volunteer with the National Park Service, leading tours for school groups of all ages, countless veterans groups, and special purpose groups like “Wish of a Lifetime” as well as for the general public. He also has conducted training sessions and served as a mentor for new volunteers at the Memorial. In recognition of his outstanding volunteer work, George has received numerous awards, including Volunteer of the Year. In 2008, George received the President’s Call to Service Award in recognition of his more than 5,000 hours of lifetime community service to a variety of organizations, including his volunteer time at the World War II Memorial. Well known by the Honor Flight Network, whose mission is to transport veterans to their Memorials in Washington, DC, the Honor Flight chairman noted that George has probably shaken more World War II veterans hands at the Memorial than “any one on the planet!”