ESCANABA – It was an early start for the 76 World War II veterans and their guardians as they prepared to leave on the Upper Peninsula Honor Flight’s fifth flight to Washington D.C.

They received instructions in a hanger at the Delta County before having their photos taken and boarding a jet waiting on the tarmac.

Robert Meyer of Escanaba was anxious to see all of the memorials in Washington including the World War II Memorial on the mall.

“My son wanted to go and I wanted to go so, he encouraged me. Let’s put it that way,” he said with a smile.

Meyer’s son Mark said they tried to make the trip earlier but were unable to attend.

“I think the hoopla of the whole thing is going to be pretty exciting,” Mark said.

Meyer was a Navy pilot at the end of World War II. He was made several aircraft landings after the war ended.

As he was already overwhelmed by the excitement of the honor flight as he got ready to board the plane.

“Amazing,” he said. “I can’t thing of anything else.”

The plane is expected to return to the Delta County Airport at 8:30 p.m. The public is invited to welcome the veterans home. A hanger at the airport will be open beginning at 7 p.m.