83 veterans return to Louisville from Honor Flight Bluegrass to Washington, DC

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Veterans returned to Louisville Tuesday night after taking part in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

The group of 83 veterans took off Tuesday morning on Honor Flight Bluegrass to visit war memorials and Arlington National Cemetery at the nation's capitol.

The veterans on board represented World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

The group returned to Louisville's airport Tuesday night, but not before being serenaded before boarding their flight back to the River City. People are always encouraged to gather at the airport to welcome the veterans back home with signs and cheers.

IMAGES | Honor Flight veterans return to Louisville after visiting war memorials in Washington, D.C.

Honor Flight Bluegrass is a way to give back to the veterans and give them a proper "welcome home" after some of them weren't able to receive that when they returned home years ago.

The journeys give them a chance to see the monuments dedicated to their service and have some fellowship with brothers in arms.

They also read letters of thanks sent to them, many from complete strangers, which they said are healing and meaningful.

"'Dear hero,' oh my, getting sentimental, very emotional," said one veteran when reading a letter. "You wish you knew these people in a personal way, because of their kindness, their good heart, and you want to touch base with them but you don't know these kind people and they don't know the impact they have when they send things like that, that help heal veterans."

Honor Flight Bluegrass is an Honor Flight Network chapter based in Louisville. To learn more about the nonprofit, click here.

You can catch more coverage of Tuesday's Honor Flight on Memorial Day next Monday, May 27, during a WDRB News special.

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