WASHINGTON, D.C. – Liberty Mayor Brian Deese accompanied three World War II veterans as a guardian on Nov. 4 to the second Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

Deese received the first group of Honor Flight attendees when they arrived back at the Greenville-Spartanburg airport several months ago, and he said from then on, he wanted to go as a guardian.

Honor Flight is a non-profit volunteer-based program that is dedicated to honoring local World War II veterans and the sacrifices they have made to keep our nation safe and our people free. The veterans are flown to Washington, D.C. to se the memorial built in their honor.

1,200 or more World War II veterans are dying each day, so it is important for these people to get a chance to enjoy a memorial built in their honor.

Guardians on the trip pay their own way to travel and assist the veterans.

“This was an emotional day for all three of my gentlemen who had the opportunity to go,” Deese said. “You realize that it was a world war. They served not only our country but they served the world.”

Deese’s father was a World War II veteran which was one of the reasons why he wanted to participate.

“I wanted to help that day any way I could,” Deese said. “It was a pleasure to go and meet those who served. There is a lot of history there and it was great for the men and women to communicate with others who have been through the same things.”

Deese encourages anyone who has the opportunity to go to participate. He said he’s also mentioned to Liberty Council members that it would be a great opportunity to participate in.

There were two ladies on the flight who served during World War II.

“Most of the time we don’t think about the women who served, but it was great to see them as well,” Deese said.

On this flight, there were 40 to 45 guardians with 85 to 90 veterans. Some guardians took their fathers.

Deese served in the Louisiana Nation Guard from 1965-1971. He said he was never called to war, but they were called to hurricanes and riots.

“It was a long trip and a long day, but it was a wonderful day,” Deese said. “It was very emotional and it created a lot of memories for the folks that served in World War II.”