Going, going, gone.

With only 30 seats left to be filled, time is of the essence for those who wish to participate in a veterans bus trip to Washington, D.C.Yet again sponsored by Richard and Darlene Nothstein of Palmerton, the all-expenses paid bus trip to our nation's capitol will be held Wednesday. Oct. 6.The trip is open to any veteran from any time period who did not make the trip in each of the past two years who either entered the service from Carbon County or currently live in the county.Those who take the trip will travel by bus to D.C. to visit the Vietnam, World War II, Korean War, and U.S. Marine Corp memorials, as well as the Arlington Cemetery, where a wreath will be laid at the "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier", said Richard Nothstein."It's an opportunity for veterans to get together and talk about whatever's on their heart and mind," Nothstein said. "For some, it will be the first time talking about it since their deployment."On their return home, veterans will be treated to a Country Buffet dinner in York, complements of the Nothsteins.In 2008, 75 Korean War and World War II veterans took the trip. Last year, 121 Vietnam, World War II, and Korean War veterans who did not travel in 2008 participated.Registration forms have been sent out to veterans organizations throughout the county, as well as the Carbon County Veterans Affairs Office. They may also be picked up at the Country Harvest Market.The deadline to return the forms has been extended to Sept. 7. Letters will be mailed out to explain the final details of the trip.Forms may be returned to Richard Nothstein, 526 Harvard Court, Palmerton, Pa 18071; or to Country Harvest Market, 572 Delaware Avenue, Palmerton, Pa 18071.