FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) – 102 Purple Heart Recipients were honored Monday by participating in the Honor Flight to Washington DC.

The flight returned to Fort Wayne around 10:20 Monday night and veterans arrived at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum for a community welcome close to 11:30.

WANE 15 covered the event all day and community involvement was encouraged. The veterans and their guardians began the day at 4 in the morning.

Here are some photos and videos of the festivities so far;

  • Welcome Home celebration after the Honor Flight.
  • Welcome Home celebration after the Honor Flight.
  • Group photo of veterans
  • Motorcade driving past over lookers on MLK bridge
  • Honor flight participants honored by local military members
  • Motorcade for honor flight
  • Honor flight participants prepare for takeoff
  • Honor flight participants prepare for takeoff
  • Community member celebrates honor flight
  • Community member celebrates honor flight
  • Outside a special dinner Sunday night before the Honor Flight on Monday.
  • Outside a special dinner Sunday night before the Honor Flight on Monday.
  • A late night
  • Signs to greet the veterans
  • Proud friends and family
  • Waiting
  • People began to arrive at 8p.
  • Showing support