One final day in D.C. before the Honor Flights return to Fargo Tuesday night

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KVRR) — Three days, two planes and 204 veterans all making up this year’s Honor Flight of North Dakota and Minnesota.

KVRR’s Alison Voorhees and Max Mueller had the privilege of joining along and tell us about the final day of the journey.

Veterans watch in silence for the changing of the color guard at Arlington National Cemetery. One of the many reminders throughout this trip of what the military means to them.

“Meant a lot to me. I was over at infantry company in 1969-1970. During that time, I lost 23 friends that were all killed in action. It was an incredible experience to see them on the wall,” said Wayne Pender of Detroit Lakes.

Veterans, many with the help of a volunteer or family member, made their way through the memorials created in their honor.

The WWII, Korean and Vietnam memorials…sites that make everyone slow down just a bit more.

“Cause I remember them as people that were 19 & 20 years old that had all kinds of dreams.

Is that on the Vietnam wall?
Yeah, they were on the Vietnam wall.”

Seeing the memorials for FDR and Lincoln, these larger-than-life leaders that make up our history.

And going to places like the National Archives and the National Museum of the US Army, giving them close-up looks at the US Constitution, Declaration of Independence and artifacts from the Revolutionary War.

“I was really impressed with the Korean War, the way they did that. The Korean War was great to see; the women’s museum was great. It was just a nice experience and to share it with so many fellow soldiers.”

A group that may not have known each other until now, all brought together with a common thread…a love for our country and a commitment to serve.

The veterans return this evening. One plane is coming in at this hour and the other set for 7.

People are encouraged to welcome them home at Fargodome following their arrival….and not at the airport which is still a construction zone.