A group of veterans will embark on a one-day trip to Washington, D.C.
This is such a special once in a lifetime trip for more than 100 Chicago area veterans from all branches of the military. They're in Washington D.C. visiting war memorials.
The Star Spangled Banner rang out throughout Midway Airport before dawn as they boarded the plane for this powerful journey.
An emotional send off for 114 soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen, embarking on the first Honor Flight of the season.
"Overwhelming," Vietnam veteran Dennis Antolec said. "Just overwhelming. To meet all these veterans, it's just a great honor."
"Each of our veterans is going to process the day in a different way. And that's okay," John Ptak with Honor Flight Chicago said.
Korean and Vietnam War veterans boarded one a time.
"It's outrageous," Vietnam veteran Frank Walters said. "I don't believe it!"
Walters. a Vietnam War Army veteran, says he's been waiting to go on this trip for more than a decade. He's never been to the Vietnam Memorial.
"We're all brothers and it's just wonderful to see all these wonderful people," Walters said. "All my comrades."
With a salute, 99-year-old Juan Garcia, the only World War II veteran on this flight gets ready to board.
"I've never been to Washington, you know? So this is my first time," Juan Garcia said.
He's traveling with his three sons, all Vietnam servicemen themselves, making this trip to the nation's capital for the Garcia family deeply moving.
"Not only am I together with my father and my brothers but all the other veterans," Vietnam veteran Ismael Garcia said.
"It's an honor with my father, especially my father," Juan Garcia Jr. said.
A simple thank you and a handshake making all the difference in the world for our country's heroes.