Something new happened during the recent Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. The trip gives area veterans a chance to fly to our nation's capital and see many of the monuments and memorials as a way to say thanks for serving our country. Now it remembers some area vets in spirit.

Ninety-six veterans are here at the nation's capital visiting memorials they've never seen before.

Vets made their way around the Korean War Memorial.

Some just passed through, but Jason McSparron, Honor Flight Board Member, stopped.

He opened up his backpack and started assembled a stand.

On top was an American flag with a picture underneath.

"The three veterans here at the Korean Memorial were Lester H, John V, and Walter S," said Jason.

The three served in the Korean War.

The Honor Flight brought photos of these heroes with them and placed them in front of their memorial, which they never got to see.

"My father in law, passing away 12 days before his flight gets me just talking about it," said Jason.

"To be able to do this for other families so that they at least have a momento of their service members trip to D.C. with us," said Jason.

"Those guys paid the price because I spent a winter over there, and I'll tell you it is extremely, extremely cold in the winter," said Park Rapids, Minnesota Veteran Frederick Whiteside. "They paid a price.

"Those guys didn't have artic gear with them, and if you went to sleep, you froze to death," said Frederick. "That's a fact."

Frederick said people should try to remember what the vets in this war did for them.

Jason's sad that these veterans weren't able to make it on the trip, but he hopes that the families appreciate this gesture.

The Veteran's Honor Flight is now inviting families to submit applications and photos of veterans so they can bring them on the next flight. The program is called "Flags of our Heroes."

For a link to learn more click here: https://www.veteranshonorflightofndmn.org/flag-of-our-heroes

If you are interested in participating or request further information, please contact Jason McSparron with Veterans Honor Flight of ND/MN at jkmcsparron@hotmail.com or by phone at (701)-238-3095.