"It’s a treat for us to go over there and see this" said James Bragg, an Army Veteran.

Anticipation was building Saturday morning as World War II veterans prepared for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Washington DC.

Local officials, military personnel, and friends and family were there to wish them farewell.

"This is a ruptured duck. It honor's their service in World War II. When they were discharged, they were given this pin" said Roger Peterson, President of the Military Officers Association.

As they awaited their flight back in time, their old war memories were shared throughout the terminal.

"I bombed the Japanese army camps in the Navy along with a lot of other things that had to be done" said Roy Leatherwood, a WWII Navy Veteran.

"It was a rather interesting experience to invade this little island. The island was so small that at high tide you could throw snow across it. There were two kinds of lizards on it, little tiny things. There were also two kinds of birds. There wasn't a blade of neither grass nor a tree. It was all lava rock. We actually wore out a pair of boots once a week. Thank goodness we had lots of them in supply," said Richard Schoof, a WWII Army Veteran.

Each veteran was accompanied by a guardian, and in some cases, it was their own relative.

Janice Newcomer was able to share this experience with her father.

"It's just way past time for the WWII veterans especially to get to see the memorial that's been built in their honor," said Newcomer.

Some veterans were not only going to take in their own honor but to recognize the sacrifices of their friends even brothers who are no longer with them.

"He died after we got home, but we have his dog tags with me to represent him," said brothers and veterans Ray and Calvin Hamby.

Upon their arrival at the Baltimore Washington International Airport, water cannons saluted them with a grand entrance

Military officers, national honor flight volunteers and boy scouts gathered around for an unbelievable welcome.

Even the AMC band presented sounds of their patriotism and courage.

"It's the first time I have never seen that happen," said one veteran.

"It's awe inspiring. It is tremendous," said another.

"It saddens your soul. I sort of wanted to cry," said Rufus Sanders, an Army Veteran.

At this point, three bus loads full of our local veterans got a special salute as they drove away to see their memorial.

Tomorrow night on News 4, Rhiana will join us again and show us how the veterans enjoyed their visit to the World War II memorial.