It’s a memorial that was decades in the making…a memorial that’s so much more than just granite and metal.

On May 8th, 98 World War II veterans from our area took a special trip to Washington, DC to see solid proof of America’s appreciation.

We go along as our veterans visit their memorial. It’s an experience they will never forget.

"I feel just great,“ said one World War II veteran before heading to the memorial “I've been waiting for this. I woke up at 3:30 this morning and couldn't go back to sleep."

"I didn't think I'd ever get here,“ added another. “I just thought I would never get here."

We spoke with a National Park Service volunteer about what makes the National World War II Memorial so special.

"It's 7.4 priceless acres between President Washington and President Lincoln that will tell these veterans' story for a very long time,” George Kerestes told us.

The National World War II Memorial was dedicated in May of 2004. It honors the 16 million men and women who served and the more than 400,000 who died in the war.

"In this memorial we have an honor to those who died, those who fought and the entire United States,” Kerestes added.

Earl Morse helped start the national Honor Flight Network about five years ago. Every year, thousands of veterans visit Washington, DC for the ultimate thank you. It’s a dream fulfilling dreams.

"Today, one day this week, we have over 1,200 people here," Morse said."This is their memorial, they've earned it, they sacrificed."
　　
"This whole trip down here is really a sense of appreciation for what we've done,” said veteran, Doug Ward.

"It's just very moving,“ added the daughter of another vet. “Because it's a part of his life that of course, we weren't around to see, but you know, if he hadn't of made it through that, we would be here today. It's very, very moving and very, very wonderful that we could share it with him."

The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates we lose 850 World War II veterans every day. Those who were still alive to see the memorial say they’re grateful.

"Wonderful,“ said Violet Jones, the oldest veteran on the trip. “I just wish my brothers and sister could be here, but they're all gone."

"It's about time they did build something like this to honor the veterans because there are so many that are passing away each day,” Ward added.

"Nobody ever paid much attention to people in the service before this generation,“ remembered Bernard Rust. “Not that we expect it, but it's a real honor to be acknowledged."

Acknowledged in a way our veterans will always remember.

"We all get to enjoy the freedoms, the blessings that they have secured for us,“ Morse said. “And not only is this their last chance to come out here and see their memorial, it's America 's last chance to say thank you for what you've done."

Coming up Wednesday night on WEAU 13 News at Ten, we’ll travel with our veterans from the National World War II Memorial to other military memorials in Washington, DC.

We’ll also meet a veteran who saw the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima when Freedom Honor Flight: Wings to Washington continues.