David Jarvis of Mauldin, who served in the Navy during World War II, flew to DC with the Honor Flight on Tuesday. (Sept. 18, 2012/FOX Carolina)
WWII veterans and others gather at GSP to take off on the Honor Flight. (Sept. 18, 2012/FOX Carolina)GREENVILLE, SC (FOX Carolina) -
A group of 75 World War II veterans took a very special trip to Washington.
Tuesday's trip was the ninth Honor Flight from the Upstate sponsored by Honor Flight Upstate South Carolina.
The program provides an all expenses paid trip to the nation's capital.
The veterans took off at 8 a.m. Tuesday from Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport and returned about just after 8 p.m.
SLIDESHOW: Upstate veterans take day trip to DC
For many, it will be the first time visiting the World War II Memorial at the National Mall. They will also visit the Vietnam, Korean and Marine Corps War Memorials, in addition to viewing the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery.
The veterans are accompanied by 60 guardians, doctors, nurses and support staff for the trip.
"This was a day of honor, really. I never expected anything like this that we would have so much attention in such a nice way," said Army veteran Jack Taylor, of Greenville.
Frazier Sentelle, of Pisgah Forest, said it was wonderful to see all the children and Boy Scouts greet them at the airport, cheering. He said it proved that they love America just like he does.
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