Tuesday, more than 70 men and women travelling with the Central Valley Honor Flight got a chance to visit the national monument dedicated in their honor. For some of the vets it was the first time they'd seen the national World War II memorial in person.
The homecoming celebration for them at Fresno Yosemite International Airport was huge. The airport terminal was packed with family members, strangers, and more than 100 sailors for Naval Air Station Lemoore.
They all greeted the 68 vets as they came off the plane in Fresno. The men and women are now back from their three-day trip to Washington, D.C.
The honor flight provides the trip to these veterans for free and is all made possible by many donations.
The trip to our nation's capital is extremely emotional for these veterans who endured the worst possible conditions on the battle field, some as prisoners of war and many, if not all, losing people close to them.
The trip was cold, very wet as rain poured during most of the visit but the veterans still say it was a long over-due honor to visit Washington, D.C.
"It makes me feel very humble for one thing," said Leon Christiansen. "It's something you know that… 70 years ago I got out and nothing much has transpired during that time and to have all this happen now is just overwhelming."
Friends and family are also grateful to have their loved ones home. People came from as far as Modesto and Springville to welcome home the veterans.
Watch the videos above for extended coverage on the Central Valley Honor Flight.
