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Central Texas veterans fly to Washington to visit monuments built in their honor

Dozens of Central Texas veterans who served in the World War II, Korea and Vietnam wars traveled to visit monuments built in their honor in Washington D.C.

AUSTIN — Dozens of veterans who served in the World War II, Korea and Vietnam wars took flight Friday to visit monuments built in their honor in Washington D.C.

Among the group of 40 service members was Sam Knutson, who was drafted to the WW II in 1944.

"It is a trip of a life time for a lot of these guys, most of them have never seen the memorials," said Claude Jones, Vice Chairman for the Honor Flight Austin organization,

There was an even closer companion in the crowd with Sam. Sam and his brother Lucky are part of family tradition of service to our country.

"It was 10 of us, and five of us were in World War II at the same time," Sam said.

Sam and Lucky are the only 2 of the 5 service brothers left.

"We've got three that couldn't make it this far," said Lucky. "I'm excited that the two of us can be here."

This trip is one to honor those who risked their lives to defend our freedom.

"We did everything we could, up to including service," Lucky said.

Just like they did in their combat days.

"Being able to be with him at this age is the most important thing to me and still be able to enjoy it," he explained.

The veterans will visit all the war monuments at the nation's capital. They are expected to return Saturday with a surprise greeting at the airport from their friends and family.

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