U.P. veterans travel to see monuments in Washington, DC
ESCANABA -- The second Upper Peninsula Honor Flight returned at Delta County Airport in Escanaba at 9:30 p.m. Thursday.
The World War II vets from all over the U.P. traveled with medical personnel and their guardians to see the monuments in Washington, DC.
The plane took off bright and early Thursday morning at 6:30 a.m. There was quite a bit of fanfare just when the 79 veterans prepared to board. They were met by family, friends, and the U.P. Detachment 444 of the Marine Corps League.
“I saw the enthusiasm of the last group and I said, wow, I want to go, too. But I did see it when we were in there a year or so ago," explains veteran Niron Virch.
The plane flew straight to Baltimore Washington International. From there, it was a day of touring the monuments.
When the Honor Flight landed back in Escanaba at 9:30 p.m., they were met by an even bigger crowd. And even though it was a long day, the vets were still very excited.
“And the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was very moving to see,” says Navy veteran John Vasseau. “It was very special for all of us. It was awesome."
Honor Flight organizers said they're hoping to have another flight leave sometime this September.
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