More than 100 aging vets embark on emotional trip to US war memorials

More than 100 aging US military veterans are flying from Tulsa to our nation’s capitol today as part of the Oklahoma Honor Flights program.

Today's flight marks the 1,000^th Oklahoman sent to Washington, D.C. to see the World War II, Korean and Vietnam War memorials with Oklahoma Honor Flights. "it's one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for me" WWII veteran Jack Bender told KRMG news before he boarded the charter flight. Jack served in the Army Air Corp as a mechanic for P-47 Thunderbolts. He spent most of his war years in France and remembers it vividly. Jack told us this brings back all kinds of memories "it reminds me of the comaraderie we had and brings back memories, both good and bad."

Organizers tell KRMG that it takes approximately $92,000 to organize a flight and today's flight will carry 103 veterans.

CLICK HERE to learn how to volunteer or donate.

More than 400 Oklahoma vets are on a waiting list for the flights.

It's estimated that 1,500 U.S. WW II veterans die each day.

The public is urged to take action and welcome the vets home tonight at 9:30 p.m. at Tulsa International Airport.