EAST PEORIA (WEEK)- Despite Honor Flight being temporarily halted, many still took the time to honor local World War II veteran, Charles "Bud" Theissen, on his 94th birthday.

"He was involved in the 1945 invasion to liberate Manila, and he received a Purple Heart for that battle which means he was wounded," said Rick Otey.

Besides it being an excuse to get out of the house for an hour or two, younger volunteers said they attend these ceremonies to bring smiles to veterans, especially now.

"They get to see a show. I want to make it good for them so that they like it," said Abbey Kinkead.

Another volunteer, Elise Arhrens, added, "I like seeing the veterans happy faces and just the fact that they are being honored when sometimes they weren't when they were first coming back."

To honor Theissen on his birthday, the sheriff's department, fire department, and Honor Flight volunteers, gathered to plant American flags, perform skits and music for him, while also remaining six feet apart.

Volunteers said that pandemic or not, it is important to show veterans are appreciated.

"I like showing them that I care, and that not all kids are not appreciative of what they have done," said Arhrens.

Theissen said even though he forgets a lot of things, this birthday is one he will never forget.