WASHINGTON, D.C. – More than 40 World War II veterans had the chance to experience something they had been waiting most of their lives for.
Around 5 a.m. Saturday, veterans from as far south as Key West to as far north as Palm Beach boarded a chartered plane to Washington, D.C., to visit the World War II Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.
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Both were extremely emotional for the vets and their volunteer "guardians," many of whom were their own family members who are also current active duty military members.
Since many of these veterans are in their 90s, and the trip was mentally, physically and emotionally exhausting, medical staff were on hand for the entirety of the trip.
As the veterans arrived at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Local 10's Liane Morejon was told hundreds of people were there to greet them with signs, cheers, flags and hugs. The gesture brought many of them to tears.
Many of the veterans were never given a proper welcome home after their service, so this was something incredibly touching for them.