Congressman Bonner joined students from Mobile's St. Luke's Episcopal School in welcoming South Alabama World War II veterans to Washington, DC, on May 9, 2012.

Ninety South Alabama World War II veterans boarded Honor Flight VII at Mobile Regional Airport at 6:00 a.m., flying direct to Washington's Reagan National Airport where tour buses took the war heroes to the National Mall.  For many it was their first trip to see the DC monuments and specifically the World War II Memorial.

"It was an honor for me to personally welcome these members of America's 'Greatest Generation' to the Memorial commemorating their service and sacrifice nearly seven decades ago," Congressman Bonner said.  "It was particularly moving for this visit to occur the day following the 67th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (the official end of World War II in Europe)."

Students from Mobile's St. Luke's Episcopal School held banners welcoming our local veterans to the World War II Memorial and shook hands and thanked many visibly-moved veterans.

"I was pleased to present the visiting veterans with a copy of a tribute I inserted in the Congressional Record and a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol honoring their trip to Washington."

After leaving the World War II Memorial, the South Alabama veterans proceeded to tour the Lincoln, Korean and Vietnam Memorials as well as Arlington National Cemetery.  They were scheduled to return to Mobile Regional Airport to a hero's welcome at 7:30PM

Below are some photos from today's Honor Flight visit to the National Mall.

Students from St. Luke's show their support of our World War II veterans as they arrive at the Memorial

 Honor Flight South Alabama veterans arrive at World War II Memorial to warm welcome

 Students shake hands and thank veterans as they enter the archway to the Memorial

 My turn to greet Honor Flight South Alabama veterans at the Memorial

 Thanking a veteran for his service to America

 Presenting a copy of a Congressional Record tribute honoring their visit to Washington, DC

 Presenting a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of their visit.

 Alabama WWII veterans pausing to remember fallen comrades