On the ground and on the bus in St. Louis, heading for Effingham.

On the plane, awaiting takeoff momentarily. The 30 or so who flew Delta will be leaving about an hour from now.

Waiting to enter Arlington for the changing of the guard.

700 photos shot so far today and counting.

Just left Lincoln/Korean/Vietnam memorials, arriving @ Iwo Jima statue at Arlington.

Leaving WWII Memorial after 90 min there in perfect weather. Now back on the bus and heading for Navy Memorial after quick D.C. tour.

Leaving WWII Memorial after 90 min there in perfect weather. Now back on the bus and heading for Navy Memorial after quick D.C. tour.

Upon landing at Reagan National, our plane was greeted with a water cannon salute by airport fire trucks.

On the plane in St. Louis, finishing boarding. TSA was an adventure for the metal hip crowd! ;-)

Overheard between 2 WWII vets meeting for the first time: "I see you're wearing a gray sweater. That means you fought for the Confederates!"

Just stopped in Edwardsville to pickup one last vet before catching plane in St. Louis.

On buses from Effingham, en route to St. Louis airport. Will be picking up more vets along the way.