The Maryland man who earlier this week sought a World War II veteran to join him in the parade at the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival now hopes to find rides for multiple veterans.

Harry Smith of Hampstead, Md., said he received eight responses as of Friday afternoon to a story in the Wednesday Butler Eagle in which he made a call for a World War II veteran to ride in his Jeep during the parade on June 12.

Smith made arrangements to take the first person who contacted him, but he hopes he can connect the seven other veterans to Jeep owners who will be in the parade.

Smith said he was pleased with the response and spoke with all of the veterans who contacted him.

“I’m very happy. I got to talk to them, and they relayed their stories and their situations,” Smith said.

Festival director Patti Jo Lambert said she knew about Smith’s plan.

“I think it is a great idea, and I hope that some other Jeep owners will be able to offer this opportunity to World War II veterans as well,” she said.

Any Jeep owners who live in the Butler area who are interested in escorting a veteran in the parade can call Smith at 410-746-3912 or e-mail him at hsmith4219@aol.com.

The festival will be June 12 to 14 with the parade in Butler that Friday night.