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The National World War II Memorial opened to the public in 2004. By that time, Shanklin, who served in the Pacific during his years in the U.S. Navy, already was well into his 70s.
"I had seen things about the World War II memorial," Shanklin said. "I never thought I'd make it out there. And then (Honor Flight) came along."
A nationwide nonprofit organization, Honor Flight sends World War II veterans at no charge to the nation's capital to visit their memorial.
Shanklin, 82, applied and finally boarded the flight to Washington, D.C., on the inaugural Honor Flight out of Savannah last month. He was one of six area veterans to make the trip, including two fellow Beaufort residents, Laurence Laughlin and Ralph Ray Kearns. As with all Honor Flights, guardians accompany the veterans to help guide the tour.
In a whirlwind trip, the group left just after dawn Oct. 24 and returned early the next day. The group saw the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery and the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial of the flag raising at Iwo Jima. And, of course, the veterans saw the National World War II Memorial.
"I think it might be the prettiest monument in Washington, D.C.," Shanklin said.
Honor Flight, which originated in Springfield, Ohio, first started flying veterans in 2005. The program quickly spread to more than 70 hubs in 30 states -- with the goal of transporting 25,000 veterans from across the country to the World War II memorial by the end of this year. Priority is given to World War II veterans and terminally ill veterans of all wars.
The Savannah group has planned its next flight for April and, if all goes according to plan, three more in 2010, according to founder Larry Spears.
For Shanklin, the most memorable part of the experience was the people he met -- the strangers who stopped to shake their hands and relay their gratitude. On the flight to Washington, the pilot announced over the intercom the presence of the six veterans. The passengers applauded.
"Our ranks are thinning," Shanklin said. "Sometimes people don't realize it. One day there will be no more roll call, no more taps. Our generation will be over.
"It feels good that some people recognize us."
