KSHB 41 reporter Claire Bradshaw covers eastern Jackson County, including Blue Springs and Independence. Share your story idea with Claire.
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Nearly 100 Kansas City-area veterans departed Wednesday morning for Washington, D.C., as part of Honor Flight KC, which provided the group a free trip to visit war memorials and pay their respects to fallen comrades.
The 82 veterans represent service members from the Korean War, Vietnam War and the conflict in Iraq. The veterans and their companions are scheduled to return around 8:45 p.m. Wednesday.
The whirlwind trip lasts less than 24 hours, during which the veterans will visit the World War II, Korean, Vietnam, 9/11 and Lincoln memorials, as well as others in the nation's capital.
Honor Flight is a national program designed to give veterans the recognition many didn't receive when they returned from service. The organization provides free transportation to Washington, D.C., for veterans to visit memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice.
Scott Welsch, who served 22 years split between the Marine Corps and Army, including two tours in Afghanistan, is accompanying his father, a Vietnam veteran, on the trip.
"I'm mostly excited to see the memorials that are dedicated to vets, because it's not just about me, it's not just about the people that are going — it's about veterans at home and the sacrifices that we've made," Welsch said.
Community members can help welcome the veterans home at KCI's departure level by security. Those interested in greeting the returning veterans should monitor Honor Flight KC's social media for any potential flight time changes.
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