A rare opportunity presents itself tonight.  The chance to say and show your thanks to a group of Eastern Iowa veterans.

The first Eastern Iowa Honor Flight of 2014 is leaving from the Eastern Iowa Airport this morning at seven.  83 of America's finest, including 13 World War II veterans, will be joined by their guardians to make the trip from Cedar Rapids to Washington, D.C.

Once they arrive, they'll visit the World War II memorial (pictured above), along with the Korean and other memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice.

The flight is scheduled to return to Cedar Rapids at approximately 10:45 this evening.  When the veterans depart the plane, a welcome home ceremony takes place in the terminal.  If you can, I encourage you to attend, cheer, and say thank you.  I've attended these before and promise you won't be disappointed.  You'll see smiles, tears, and appreciation from those returning and those there to welcome them back.  Appreciation is something we can never show enough of to our veterans.

Eastern Iowa Honor Flights aren't viable without sponsors and this one was made possible by the Washington County Riverboat foundation.  The flight includes veterans from Washington County.

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