A group of about 100 of Northwest Florida's World War II veterans visited their memorial and other nearby memorials and monuments at the nation's capital Wednesday.  The one-day trip, spearheaded by Congressman Jeff Miller, was made possible through the Emerald Coast Honor Flight, a non-profit organization created to honor our local veterans for all their sacrifices. 

Rep. Miller said the event was a thrill for him as well as the veterans.  "I am overwhelmed," he said.  "Just look at these guys.  They look happy and that makes me happy.  It's just a great day." 

Former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole, himself a WWII veteran, thanked the Emerald Coast Honor Flight veterans for their service.  "If it wasn't for you, we'd all be speaking Japanese or German by now," he said.  Dole was joined by veterans in a wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial to honor fallen comrades. 

The trip was the first for Emerald Coast Honor Flight, the local chapter of a five-year-old national Honor Flight program that has brought thousands of WWII vets to the nation's capital.  About 300 veterans applied for the trip with first priority given to those with health problems.  The rest were admitted on a first-come, first-served basis.  Money is currently being raised for a second flight, possibly later this year. 

Honor Flight photos by Dan McFaul