LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — They call it a Honor Flight for a reason and it’s a rare opportunity for veterans to see the war memorials in Washington, D.C.
For many, the trip becomes something they will never forget.
“A lot of memories that I have you know, that I haven’t even thought about for years and years,” Gloria Saucia said.
Gloria is a WWII Marine veteran who joined the military at 19. She keeps photos and keepsakes of war tucked away in scrapbook. This scrapbook is also where she keeps photos from her 2017 trip to see the war memorials in Washington, D.C., thanks to Honor Flight Southern Nevada.
“You’re treated like royalty on Honor Flight. There’s nothing like it,” said Gloria.
Honor Flight Southern Nevada took Gloria and other WWII, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans to see the memorials as a way to honor them and their service.
“I mean the whole thing was just so patriotic. It did take you back in time,” Gloria said.
Seeing the memorials for the first time brought feelings of sadness mixed in with profound pride.
“When people thank you for your service you know it’s from the bottom of their heart and that was something else,” Gloria said.
To this day, 96-year-old Gloria Saucia remains as patriotic as she was back in 1944. Most WWII veterans speak reluctantly about their time in war, but when they do it’s with deep respect, which is similar to how they speak about Honor Flight.
HOPE FOR OUR HEROES STORIES
