MILWAUKEE -- More than 70 World War II veterans flew to Washington D.C. from Mitchell International Airport on Wednesday morning as part of the Honor Flight program.

Honor Flight Application
World War II Veterans Visit War Memorial In Washington, D.C.
WWII Vets Fly To Washington Honor Flight Takes Veterans To Washington D.C. Veterans React To Honor Flight

Stars and Stripes Honor Flight is a local program that takes veterans to Washington D.C., funded completely by donations. There are 450 veterans on the waiting list to participate.

The Wisconsin veterans visited three memorials during their one-day trip. They toured the World War II and Iwo Jima Memorials along with the tomb of the unknown soldier. They are set to fly back Wednesday evening.

"We have a great sense of urgency to fly as many as possible. The World War II memorial took 60 years to build so they couldn't go before, and logistically, it's getting harder and harder for them to go," said Joe Dean of Honor Flight.

Veterans Le Roy and Marceline Paulin, both World War II veterans, were escorted by their daughter on the first Honor Flight Wednesday. Marceline served as a marine while Le Roy was a Navy man.

“In our town we lost 6 and I went to school with every one of them,” Le Roy Paulin said.

For the Paulins, this flight is a privilege and a chance to honor their fellow veterans and fallen friends.

Sen. Herb Kohl was on hand to greet men and women in front of the World War II Memorial. The veterans also got their pictures taken in front of the memorial.

One Fond du Lac veteran served in World War II along with his two brothers, who have died since.

“It's very emotional -- the whole thing has been. It's hard to explain it. The greeting we got when we came through the airport was just unreal. The people that are running this thing are awesome. They’ve done everything just perfectly,” Bob Pullmer said.