SPRINGFIELD -- Every day, Americans lay to rest on average 1,000 World War 2 veterans. That's why a non-profit network called Honor Flight was started four years ago. Its sole mission is to fly every survivor of every military branch to the World War 2 Memorial in Washington, D.C., for one final salute. The network’s chapter in mid-Missouri made its most recent trip two weeks ago.

The planeload of veterans left well before daylight on a special mission that was all about them.

“This is the thank-you that is way overdue,” said Barb Bruggeman, a volunteer for Central Missouri Honor Flight.

More than 60 years have passed since they did their duty.

“We're really rushing the clock because these folks are not in the best of health and leaving us so frequently,” said Ernie DeCamp of Springfield, another volunteer.

En route to Washington, a reporter heard personal histories from those who are part of history. On arrival, applause and cheers greeted them, because it’s all about them.

“It really humbles you,” said Ray Bassett, an American Legion chaplain.

Most of these people came back from the war to start their lives over unnoticed.

“When you came home from the war, was it like this (cheers and crowds)?”

“No,” said Vietnam War veteran Tim Hoover.

Total strangers get caught up in the emotion:

“I was in the Army," said one veteran.

“Did you get a welcome like this?” a reporter asked.

“No.”

The tour bus cruised past all the familiar places in our nation's capital but there's only one place that's all about them.

“Thank you for your service; welcome to your monument.”

The World War 2 Memorial honors every state, every military branch and 16 million men and women we now call the Greatest Generation.

“This is the war that touched everyone. An uncle, a grandfather, a father, relatives who went to war; that’s the reason Honor Flight is so overwhelming for my generation.”

As their father posed with mid-Missouri veterans at the wall of stars, his two daughters, who flew in from Milwaukee to be here, spoke of the significance of the moment.

“It’s closure for our father, living with memories for many years,” said Michelle Knaack.

Iwo Jima survivor Ralph Dobbs grew up Ava, enlisted in the Marines, raised five daughters, and earned five degrees for a university career. He reminded us that monuments do not teach history but help us remember it.

“It bridges the gap between what once was and what is,” said Dobbs, a retired Marine.

Central Missouri Honor Flight only started last January. This was its fifth flight. Two more are scheduled in November.

On the way back to Missouri, there was one more mail call; personal letters of thanks were passed out to every veteran, because it’s all about them.

“Everything we have we owe to these men and women; without them, there would not be this country. They saved the world for us,”

Honor Flight is sponsored by relatives and friends of veterans, businesses large and small, and anybody who wants to honor World War 2 survivors. It takes a lot of money and organization, and applications to be passengers and volunteers on Honor Flights.

The number for Ozarks Honor Flight is (417) 268-3390. That’s at KY3, which is proud to be a promoter of the organization. To donate to Ozarks Honor Flight, mail your contribution to Ozarks Honor Flight, Box 3500, Springfield Missouri, 65808.