JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — People lined the main terminal of the Jacksonville International Airport early Saturday morning to honor a group of veterans setting off to see memorials created in their honor at the nation's capital.
Twenty-one local veterans came together for the First Coast Honor Flight; 17 Vietnam War veterans and four Korean War veterans.
After landing in Washington D.C., veterans were greeted with music from a live orchestra.
One Vietnam veteran who spoke with First Coast News said he is glad he is being recognized decades after his service.
"It was nice to get the appreciation," said David Torres, a Vietnam veteran. "Stuff we didn't get...stuff we didn't get when we got home," he said, holding back tears.
The group was out early Saturday morning and will be back late Saturday night.
The trip is completely free, allowing veterans the chance to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.
Any veteran who has served in the U.S. military is eligible to participate in a First Coast Honor Flight.
For more information on eligibility or applications for an Honor Flight, visit here.
The next First Coast Honor Flight is scheduled for Sept. 21, 2024.