“I'll be with Mr. Wonderful,” said Kay.“There she starts again,” said Maynard.

The Tauscher’s and the rest of the veterans will be back in home at about 9 p.m. Saturday and will be greeted not only by their loved ones, but with the sights and sounds of a La Crosse Skyrockers fireworks display, and the UW-La Crosse marching band -- a true hero's welcome.

So far, 1,000 veterans have been on the trip to see the memorials in D.C.