117 veterans reach capital

117 veterans touched down in Washington, D.C., on Monday after a flight from Grand Forks, North Dakota.

The cohort consists of 115 men and two women. Their service records span two major conflicts, with 114 veterans who served during the Vietnam War and three who served during the Korean War.

Byron Cole, a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam era, described the atmosphere upon arrival as a collective release of tension. "This is awesome. A bunch of guys get along a lot, talk a lot, it's fun. It's kind of the welcome we never got," Cole said.

Thomas Rainsberry, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, noted that the trip serves a therapeutic function for the group. "Well, it's bringing some closure to some veterans. Because it's finally getting them to open up to other veterans who served at the same time," Rainsberry stated.

Ken Monson, a U.S. Air Force veteran, reported that friends and relatives have reached out to acknowledge his participation. "Well, I'm getting a lot of recognition from friends and relatives who are saying, 'Yeah, you deserve that! You deserve that! I'm glad you're going.' I don't feel very special but I'm sure glad I'm able to come here," Monson said.

The schedule for the remaining days includes visits to the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial, the National Museum of the U.S. Army, and Arlington National Cemetery. The group is scheduled to return to Grand Forks on Tuesday night.