Watch CBS News

55 World War II Veterans Take Honor Flight From L.I. To Memorial In Washington, D.C.

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Fifty-five World War II veterans were honored Saturday, after taking the Honor Flight from Long Island to Washington, D.C., to visit the World War II memorial.

As WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reported, World War II veteran Edward Grant, 90, said the honor flight brought back a lot of memories.

55 World War II Veterans Take Honor Flight From L.I. To Memorial In Washington, D.C.

"Very emotional -- I had trouble keeping tears from my eyes," Grant said.

When asked why it was so emotional, Grant said, "I don't know – just a feeling, just a feeling."

Grant said he thought about those who never made it back.

"Although I'd never saw combat, I was lucky," Grant said. "Four times, I was supposed to go into combat and four times they pulled me out at the last minute, so somebody was looking after me."

The Honor Flight is held twice a year, courtesy of Honor Flight Long Island.

The veterans were honored at the American Airpower Museum in Farmingdale, Long Island following the flight.

Check Out These Other Stories From CBSNewYork.com:

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.