WASHINGTON, D.C. - Given a hero's welcome, 27 World War II veterans and their caregivers from Central Illinois toured the Washington monuments on a sultry June Wednesday and basked in the glow of public appreciation.

After assembling in Effingham and arriving on the Honor Flight from St. Louis, the veterans trooped down the halls of Reagan National Airport to the unexpected accompaniment of cheers and handclapping. "I couldn't believe it," said George Meyer of Taylorville. It was only the beginning.

At the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, more recognition came. The orange shirt-clad veterans were given close up viewing of the Changing of the Guard.

At the World War II Memorial, the main target of the Honor Flight, visitors shook hands with the veterans. Children asked questions and snapped photos. "Thanks for your service" was heard again and again.

For most of the veterans, it was a first sighting of the $175 million memorial dedicated to the Greatest Generation and the more than 400,000 U.S. service members killed in World War II. Dedicated in 2004, the location is perfect - between the Washington Monument and the Abraham Lincoln Memorial.

"Magnificent" was the reaction of Floyd Buckalew of Sullivan. "Grand," said Les Allen of Decatur, former city manager. "Unbelievable," "amazing," "remarkable," "fantastic," "impressive" and "It's something else" was heard as the veterans walked and rode in wheelchairs, gazing at the memorial's west side Freedom Wall, adorned with 4,048 gold stars, each star representing 100 American casualties.

Howard Gaston of Windsor, the oldest veteran on the trip at 93, was surprised outside the memorial when his granddaughter, Heidi Slawkis, and her children, Emma, 5, and Jacob, 8, turned up from Evansville, Ind. Orris Seng of Windsor also was surprised when he was greeted by his son, Jeff, his daughter-in-law and their children, Arthur, 5, and Sandra, 4.

"It's very nice, impressive; they should have built it 50 years ago," said John Rapp, 90, of Decatur, referring to the controversy about the memorial's design and location.

As the veterans were heading for the bus, Bob Dole began shaking hands. The World War II hero, U.S. senator from Kansas and former presidential candidate said he tries to greet each Honor Flight.

"There have been 28,000 veterans on the Honor Flights so far," Dole said. "One day, we had veterans from 11 states."

Asked about how much the memorial cost, Dole said: "We have $17 million left, but don't tell Congress."

Then it was on to the Iwo Jima Memorial and the Korean, Lincoln and Vietnam memorials for more sightseeing, more recognition from visitors. The veterans in wheelchairs were often given a salute by youngsters.

It began raining during the ride back to Reagan National Airport. Then the waiting began. Because of thunderstorms, the flight to St. Louis was delayed for more than three hours. Instead of arriving back in Effingham at 10 p.m., it was after 1 a.m.

"We planned a huge welcome home reception at the Sacred Heart Grade School," said Don Niehart, the Central Illinois Honor Flight organizer. "Maybe we'll have a few people."

A "few" turned out to be many, waving flags and banners. The appreciation was complete.

"The World War II Memorial, the trip was moving. It makes me proud, moves my heart," said Kathy Schroeder, the caregiver for Charles Schroeder of Effingham.

About The Trip

ORGANIZERS: Don Niehart, Effingham real estate appraiser, is president of Central Illinois Honor Flight and the main organizer, along with his sister, Laura Paruleski, who is a nurse, and many volunteers.

ABOUT THE EVENT: Honor Flight is a national organization started in Ohio in 2004. "I saw it on TV, decided I wanted to do it," Niehart said. He and Laura went on an Honor Flight from Chicago last year to learn about the organizing. Their first Honor Flight was April 22.

CAREGIVERS: Each paid $400. Veterans are free. Caregivers included Richard Brummer of Effingham, former circuit court judge and state representative; Joe Hampton of Windsor, former Illinois director of agriculture; Bob Peadro, Shelbyville businessman; Lisa Smith of Decatur, who wants to organize a Decatur Honor Flight; Deb Litteken of Trenton, who works for the CIA; Mike Sehy, 1956 Effingham St. Anthony High School basketball standout.

FINANCES: "This trip cost about $20,000," Niehart said. "Our funds are entirely donated."

Each veteran received an orange polo-type shirt, a baseball cap with a patriotic motif and a backpack that included a disposable camera, pen, sunscreen and information on the memorials. Hot breakfast sandwiches and coffee were provided on the bus ride from Effingham to St. Louis. In Washington, sandwich box meals were provided for lunch and dinner. Bottles of water were distributed frequently. Wheelchairs were provided.

FUTURE: Honor Flights from Effingham, "taking our heroes to see THEIR memorial," are scheduled on Wednesdays July 8, Sept. 16 and Oct. 28. Other Honor Flights are from the Quad-Cities, Chicago and Land of Lincoln in Springfield.

INFORMATION: 254-2986; www.centralillinoishonorflight.org

bfallstrom@herald-review.com|421-7981