Mack Ritchie, an Air Force veteran says, “I lost a lot of friend’s every day.”

Bob Davis, a WWII Veteran says, “I didn’t know of one man that died a coward, they’re all heroes to me.”

James Barineau, another Air Force Veteran says, “It’s one of the greatest things that have happened to me, it’s just so very special, words won’t even express it.”

But emotions do.

Veterans from all over the Wiregrass and even as far as Texas took a seat on what some say would be their last flight.

For two World War II nurses, they say there wasn’t a second thought about entering what was called “The Deadliest War.”

Lucille Jarrell, a veteran Army nurse, says, “That was the thing to do… President Roosevelt said the war was on, we was ready, right then.”

The war separated people and nations. At the same time, it brought together Lucille Jarrel and Mary Lucille Cain, who have been friends since they were sent overseas in 1941.

And they wouldn’t have it any other way to see their memorial together.

Jarrell says, “Had a big wish for it. Yeah, when Mary called and told me we were going, I said can I go too.”

After more than 60 years and a two and a half hour plane ride, veterans were greeted with cheers and praise, from every age.

Baltimore, Maryland’s terminal was turned from an empty row of seats to sounds of music from the past.

Bob Davis, a WWII veteran, says, “I am very honored to be here, it is very emotional for me and I am thankful that God has let me live this long.”

As time got closer for veterans to see their memorial, mixed emotions about the day began to fill the air.

John Ealey, an Army veteran, says, “It makes me kind of sad, makes me sad to see so many of them gone, I’m still saddened and I’m thankful that the good Lord spared me.”

Fred Moore, a Navy/Army veteran, says, “It really makes you feel good and sad too in some ways to come here and know that you had so many friends that was not able to make it this far.”

Finally, it was time to take a trip many have waited a lifetime for. A thank you that was built off of blood, tears and lost love ones.

You could feel the anticipation building, the closer the flight got to the nation's capitol.

It’s one thing to hear about the memorial, but another to see it through the eyes of these war heroes.