SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - San Diego military veterans who served during World War II and the Korean War boarded a special flight at Lindbergh Field Friday morning.
GALLERY: San Diego military veterans board Honor Flight to Washington, DC
10News reporter Amanda Brandeis is accompanying the group on its Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., and coverage of this trip continues through Sunday when they return to San Diego.
While in the nation’s capital, the veterans will take part in numerous events that honor them for their service, including a Veteran’s Welcome dinner on Friday evening.
PHOTOS: Local vets go on Honor Flight
Visits to the World War II Memorial, Marine Corps Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, Women in Military Service for America Memorial, Tomb of the Unknowns and other notable landmarks and memorials are on the group’s agenda for the weekend trip.
The group consists of 80 veterans -- 54 from World War II and 28 who served in the Korean War. It is the first time Korean War veterans are taking part in the Honor Flight experience.
Four female veterans are a part of the group, officials told 10News.
The youngest veteran on the trip is 81 years of age, while the oldest is 99 years old.
David Smith, the founder of Honor Flight San Diego, said it's incredibly important to thank our veterans while there's still time.
"I've actually had veterans come up to me and say, 'You know, in all these years, no one has ever said thank you to me -- this means so much,’” said Smith.
The group relies on fundraising to make the Honor Flight a reality. It costs $240,000 for the entire weekend.
Honor Flight San Diego welcomes the community to join the Sunday's homecoming at the San Diego International Airport. The event typically draws in 1,000 people! To take part in the celebration, arrive at Terminal 2 by 2 p.m. on Sunday.
