Approximately 70 veterans departed for Washington, D.C. Tuesday morning for a day of sight-seeing, and memory-making for the 39th Honor Flight at St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport.

Of the dozens of veterans to board the Allegiant Airlines, three of them made honor flight history -- because they’re related. The Regoli brothers were on board for Tuesday’s flight, the first Honor Flight to have brothers as passengers.

Phil Regoli served in Korea, and his younger brothers Richard and Bernard both served in Vietnam. The Regolis said they’ve been to the capital separately, but this will be their first trip together.

"I want to meet Mr. Trump," Rich said with a laugh, as his two brothers joined in a chorus of chuckles.

Phil said he visited the capital before WWII was finished.

"I'm really excited now to come with these clowns," he joked.


But in all seriousness, the brothers said they are aware they are heading to Washington D.C. the day before 9/11, and the timing isn't lost on them.

"I'm sure it's going to be very moving," Rich said. "We're just looking forward to it -- just excited to be together."

Bernard said it's all about togetherness, but not just within his family.

"It's also about everyone else behind us," he said.

Each veteran boarding the honor flight is accompanied by a guardian, and the Regolis chose their sons and son-in-law to join them on Tuesday.

The Honor Flight is due back around 8:15 p.m. Tuesday.

