By: Chris Gilson, cgilson@cbs4qc.com
They were separated from their families; put in the line of fire and fought until victory was theirs.
They made these sacrifices not for themselves, but so that we could enjoy freedom today.
And for one local Veteran the Quad Cities 21st Honor Flight, is a trip he never thought he would get to make.
More than 80 American Heroes from the around the Q. C. A. were reunited with their comrades, last Thursday.
They flew to the Nation's Capitol to be honored for the sacrifices they made in World War II and the Korean War.
But, for one Korean War Veteran, it's a trip that may have come just in time.
For 82 year old Korean War Veteran David Millett, this maybe his very last trip; a Journey of a lifetime.
"The thing is they don't know how long I am going to last," David Millet, Korean War Veteran said.
David was diagnosed with cancer this past summer.
So his doctor made sure his dream to go on Honor Flight became a reality.
"There's a long waiting list. I've been on it for a long time so he wrote them explaining that I was terminal."
Before the sun even came up David and his comrades were off to Washington.
Once on the ground, it didn't take long for this group of veterans to get a Hero's Welcome.
"Thank you sir, thank you for your service and everything you did for this country. Enjoy your day," A greeter at the Dulles Airport near Washington D.C. said.
A day filled with emotions, as Veterans visit the World War II Memorial Memories come flooding back.
"It fulfills my life. I mean I am not that young anymore," World War II Veteran, Robert Glessner said.
Stars shine in the sun honoring the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.
But, as special as this monument is these Veterans still have more ground to cover.
So it's on to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to see the Changing of the Guard.
Only the Guard's footsteps are heard, steps marching on for those who gave their lives for our country.
As the sun set over our Nation's Capitol, the Korean War Veterans' anticipation grows as they get closer to seeing their memorial.
"It brings back some memories. Some painful memories? Not good."
Most Veterans got off the bus to see the Korean War Memorial, but David didn't.
He was too tired after a long trip around the Nation's Capitol.
So after seeing the Memorials dedicated in their Honor, this group of Veterans still aren't done.
On the flight back the American Heroes got letters from home thanking them for their service.
Then a heroes welcome home in the Quad Cities, a homecoming celebration decades overdue.
"It was awesome, I didn't believe there were that many people around,"Lavern Wenndt, Korean War Veteran said.
A journey David and his fellow Vets will never forget.
Thursday's Honor Flight was the last one for this year. But, if you or someone you know would like to be apart of a trip next year. Click on the link in the top left corner of this page or go to our popular links page.
