After a long night of travel, local veterans are up early in Washington, D.C.,  ready to begin a full day of reflection and remembrance.


Led by Retired Major Joe Pfadt, the group will tour Arlington National Cemetery, the National Archives, and the War memorials that honor their service.

For many, this is their first time seeing these landmarks, making today a powerful and emotional step in their journey. 


Chris and Darlene Desantis said, "I haven't seen any of it except for in tv, so seeing the memorials, the Archives and Arlington, where are fallen brethren are, I'm very interested to see those places up close, because I've only seen those on movies and on tv, so it should be a real emotional experience. It's like a once in a lifetime experience to go and see what we were all fighting for."