Vietnam-era veterans lead the way as Honor Flight vets prepare for trip to Washington DC

PORTLAND, Ore. — KVAL's Honor Flight coverage began Thursday as dozens of local military veterans embark on a lifelong journey to Washington D.C. where they will be recognized for their service to our country.

Thursday in Portland was the big send-off for veterans in Linn and Lane counties.

The group is staying at a Portland hotel and will leave Friday morning, but the experience has already begun for these veterans.

Some of the vets left on the group bus from Eugene and more were picked up in Linn County on the way up to Portland.

The group was welcomed before leaving Eugene by local Rosie the Riveters, the Sheriff's Honor Guard, Tribal members, and American Legion Post riders who escorted these veterans out of Eugene and up I-5 to Portland.

It was a taste of what they will witness throughout these next few days.

This group is particularly interesting, and it will be special to see the recognition and honor they get - because this is the highest percentage of Vietnam-era veterans from any South Willamette Valley Honor Flight.

For years, the focus was more on World War II and Korean War vets. But as time goes by and there are fewer of those veterans around for the travels, there has become a greater focus on Vietnam-era military veterans.