SYRACUSE, NY (WSYR-TV) - A group of WWII veterans from Central New York took an “Honor Flight” to Washington D.C. on Saturday to see the memorials dedicated to them.
NewsChannel 9 was at the airport when they arrived home on Saturday night. The veterans were certainly touched by the trip.
"It’s a feeling I never had before, just a wonderful fantastic feeling. It made you think that people really cared about you and what you did,” said WWII veteran Jim Williams.
In the early 1940’s, Williams left home to fight through some of the most brutal encounters during WWII. 68 years later, still alive to tell his story, he is considered one of the lucky ones.
"We had a crew of 10 people. We lived together. We fought together. We flew together and now there's only two of us left,” said Williams.
Williams joined 26 other veterans, including Henry Pryzybylski, on the first ever “Honor Flight” to Washington D.C. on Saturday.
"Very emotional due to the fact some of the places I was, some of the places I was very emotional,” said Pryzybylski, who was greeted at the airport by his granddaughter Corrina Smolinski.
"I wouldn't be here if it weren't for him. I grew up without a father and the only reason I was able to do that, my mother is amazing but it’s all him too,” said Smolinski.
To apply for a future “Honor Flight” mission or to volunteer,
click here.
You can also call 430-3779 to apply.
