The Arlington National cemetery is one of the most popular places to visit in our nation.

It became an official military cemetery on June 15, 1864 and more than a century later, former soldiers are still being laid to rest there.

"The most peaceful thing I have seen was the cemetery" says Walter McNeil, a Navy Veteran.

"It is unbelievable. I have never been here. I did not realize it was so big. It is beautiful. I can't help but think of all the families who have sacrificed their loved ones and just the sacrifice of the soldiers for our country” said Cheri Fox, a guardian.

After touring their World War II memorial, Wiregrass veterans headed over to see the next site- the Arlington national cemetery.

There, more than 300,000 people have been laid to rest including many well known names in history, like Audie Murphy.

"Everybody in my generation and two or three generations back remembers the most decorated soldier in WWII, Audie Murphy. That is who comes to their mind. He was also quite a cowboy. He was in a lot of the World War II films," said Bob Bunting, Chairman of the Wiregrass Honor Flight.

Then there are those who are known personally.

"My best friend. We were battalion commanders together. He had a stroke. He was only 43-years-old. It is sad. Whenever I come up here I think of my friend Colonel Carson," said Bunting.

As the crowd went deeper into the cemetery they were able to witness something remarkable.

"The guard walks 21 steps each way and he stands for 21 seconds each time before he turns around and goes to the other end. It's in reference to the 21 gun salute. It gives you chill bumps," he said.

The group also had a chance to see the changing of the guard and the tomb of the unknown soldier- which represents all those who have gone to war, died and have never been identified.

"They were known to someone, they were just never identified. We pay them that respect."

"It was a tremendous ceremony. I didn't know there was so much. But we appreciate it. All of us World War II vets appreciate it because there is so much represented by that changing of the guard," said William Butler, Army Veteran.

After the Arlington National Cemetery, it was time to see the statue that represents the battle of Iwo Jima.

"We would be speaking other languages if it were not for them," said Michael Dixon Jr., a Guardian.

It was a short stop so that guardians, veterans, and organizers could catch their plane and make it back to Dothan.

"It’s always good to be around folks who tell war stories and things like that,” said George Brinton, Army and Navy Veteran.

When the plane landed back in Dothan, Fort Rucker soldiers, the army band, patriot guard riders, friends, family and local politicians put together a special celebration for the veterans.

"I would not have missed this opportunity because when these patriots get off the plane, you can see the tears in their eyes,” said Sen. Harri Anne Smith (R) Slocomb.

"The most astounding thing is seeing people welcome us in such a manner. It is overwhelming. It is awesome to have people come up to you and say Thank You for something that you have done like that. It is wonderful," said William Schwartz, Navy Veteran.

And that was it - the entire Wiregrass honor flight. Everyone made it back safely, and for some the timing could not have been better.

One of the unfortunate things here is that hundreds of World War II veterans die each day.

The nation wide honor flight program expects to have flown more than 25,000 veterans to the World War II memorial by the end of this year.

The Wiregrass plans on having another flight in April of 2010.