More than 70 Vets Attend 8th Annual Honor Flight

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“We went to war, some of us were kids, some of us lied to get into the service,” said Gene Beckstrom.

Beckstrom was in the army and navy for 32 years, fighting in WWII and Korea.

“If you never been through a war and see what happens to the people you would think twice before we do some things,” said Beckstrom.

A few rows ahead of him sat William Agenter who served in the Air Force from 1957-61.

“Great, a really good experience,” said Agenter. “Learned a lot and traveled a little bit.”

In a sea of military decorated hats and gold t–shirt they are just a few of about 75 WWII and Korean War veterans inside the Duluth International Airport.

“I didn’t sleep well at all,” said Agenter. “I was up most of the night just excited about going.”

High anticipation before boarding a chartered flight to the nation’s capital to see their memorials.

“We’ll see the WWII Memorial, we’ll go to the Lincoln Park Memorial,” Honor Flight Northland Co-chair Judy Greske said. “See the changing of the guards, go to the Women’s Memorial, Air Force, Iwo Jima.”

They’ll spend almost the entire day touring the sites.

“It’s great, sure glad that I have the opportunity to go,” said Beckstrom. “It’s a blessed thing you know.”

“I signed up never thinking I’d get chosen but I’m really, really honored,” said Agenter.

Honor Flight Northland has been taking vets to Washington since 2010.

It’s a $90,000 venture made possible with lots of volunteers and donations.

Many of them take this journey with other veterans do not know, but share the same story with.

“I can talk to this man here from Cook,” said Agether. “I’ve never seen him in my life but I know he’s my brother. I know that he’s gone through some of the same things that I have.”

After exchanging stories about battle, being checked in and a short wait in the terminal they board the plane and take off to see the memorials built in their honor.

“Just make the best of the day,” said Agether.

The vets returned Saturday night to a welcome home celebration.