WASHINGTON, D.C. -- It's a gorgeous day in Washington, D.C. on the day our local Honor Flight group gets to see the WWII Memorial for the very first time.
25 World War II veterans from around the Inland Northwest have traveled to the nation's capital as part of the Honor Flight program.
This morning, they've arrived at the WWII memorial and are touring the magnificent monument. KREM 2's Randy says many of the vets told him this trip isn't just about seeing the memorial for themselves, but for their friends they served with who lost their lives in war.
Randy says it's been an emotional day. Prior to their arrival at the memorial, the group went to the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, where a special Changing of the Guard ceremony was held just because they were there.
Randy also had the chance to speak with Senator Bob Dole this morning, who was the chairman of the WWII Memorial campaign. Senator Dole also met each veteran and took a picture with him or her.
Be sure to tune into KREM 2 News at 5 and 6 to see new video of the veterans touring the memorial and to hear from them. You'll hear from Senator Dole as well in Randy's reports.
The local Honor Flight program was started by a Spokane Police officer. Thanks to generous donations from our KREM 2 News viewers and flights from Southwest Airlines, this group got to travel to the memorial to share the experience together.
