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Freedom Honor Flight: Arriving in Washington
The veterans could hear the music before even stepping off the jetway. Then came the cheers.
Several dozen people, from Boy Scouts to adults, lined both sides of the walkway greeting, shaking hands, and thanking these veterans from Wisconsin. Some carried signs or waived small flags. Others helped guide the veterans through the airport to the buses that would take them around the capital.
Some of the veterans looked surprised at their reception to Washington.
It was the first of many times during the trip when people showed their gratitude to the veterans for their service.
From the airport, the group made its first stop of the day at Arlington National Cemetery for the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The veterans joined with a few hundred others to silently watch the ceremony under the blue skies and sunshine.
After the ceremony, there were a few minutes to walk around the cemetery and find a few well-known names such as Audie Murphy or the Challenger astronauts.
Most of the veterans tried their best to find some shade from the sun and warm temperatures in the low 80s in Washington on Saturday.
Tomorrow: Visiting the Lincoln, Korean, and Vietnam memorials.
Coverage of the Freedom Honor Flight
Freedom Honor Flight: Welcome Home
Freedom Honor Flight: ‘Others more deserving’
