Northeast Iowa WWII veterans leave for Washington, D.C.

World War II veterans listen to Monday's program

"Today has finally arrived," said World War II Honor Flight organizer Bob Lillie on Monday morning as 18 veterans, 18 companions and eight support staff members headed out to Washington, D.C. on Northeast Iowa's first-ever honor flight.

Veterans who are making the journey to the nation's capital plan to visit the World War II Memorial, the Korean and Vietnam War memorials, the WWII Memorial, and the Lincoln, FDR and Jefferson memorials. The group will also tour the Capitol, the White House and visit Arlington National Cemetery.

A ceremony was held at 7:00 Monday morning at the Decorah Army Reserve Center to send off the group.  The Decorah High School symphonic Band performed, Reverend Matt Perkins gave a blessing and Lillie told the group "We're blessed to be here 60 years later."

Honor Flight organizer Kathy Hawkins says her group is organizing a second trip by veterans to Washington, D.C.  That trip will run from April 28th through May 3rd of next year and will be open to all veterans, not just WWII veterans.  For more information, contact Kathy or Denise at (563) 382-3639.

A Hawkeye Stages bus will take the group to D.C.

More of the veterans heading to Washington, D.C.

The Decorah High School Symphonic Band, conducted by Jim Fritz, performed several patriotic songs

A group of Decorah Middle School students brought a send-off banner