Photo courtesy of the Eastern Iowa Honor FlightIt's a trip of a life time for veteran Joseph Koenig. There was a time he wasn't sure he'd live to see this day.More >>
CEDAR RAPIDS (KWWL) -
Eastern Iowa veterans are getting a trip of a lifetime Tuesday. Ninety veterans are making their way from Cedar Rapids to Washington, D.C. as part of the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight.
The flight left the Eastern Iowa Airport on Tuesday around 7:30 a.m. The veterans were welcomed at Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C., with a water canon salute.
These veterans were among the 26,000 veterans across Iowa that served in World War II. Nearly 70 years later, they are now getting a chance to see a memorial dedicated in their honor. In a group photo, a flag sitting in a wheelchair was positioned in front to honor the veterans unable to make the trip.
The veterans will tour several memorials in Washington before returning to Cedar Rapids late on Tuesday. During the trip, the veterans were welcomed by Congressmen Dave Loebsack and Bruce Braley.
Upcoming Honor Flights include two leaving from Dubuque on Sept. 27 and 28. There will also be another leaving from Waterloo on Sept. 27.
