FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A chartered plane carrying some of the Central Valley's most valued heroes landed Wednesday night at the Fresno Yosemite International Airport. There was no shortage of love at for them as they walked in.
"I had never seen a reception like this ever. This was amazing," said Alicia Guzman, Fresno.
The 11th Central Valley Honor Flight sent 64 of our local veterans who went to our nation's capital to visit monuments built in their honor
A couple hundred people showed up for the homecoming celebration at the airport-- waving flags, holding signs, and thanking them all for their service.
"I heard one guy say he landed on a building whenever he came from the Korean War and nobody was there to welcome him and he was crying when he saw all the people," said Alicia.
Korean War veteran Margarito said he was shocked by the outpouring of support from the community.
"None of us expected this, we expected the family here picking us up, but other than that it was something."
Margarito was able to go on the trip with his son it was an experience he said was, "Beautiful. Beautiful. I can't really have the word to describe."
Onis Lentz, another Korean War veteran, traveled with his son as well. But Lentz tells us being amongst other veterans is what made it extra special.
"I've been there six times, but this was more meaningful with the group. And I got to see the World War II memorial I had never seen."
Jesse Pagan is one of 10 World War II veterans who went to Washington D.C. He said at times it was hard holding back tears.
"You lose a lot of friends and you come to remember them. And I was fortunate to come back here."
The next Central Valley Honor Flight trip will be from October 24th to the 26th. Organizers said they are currently raising money to plan trips for next year.