A third wave of World War II veterans from Fayette and surrounding areas set off to visit the national WWII memorial in Washington, D.C. this morning.

The veterans and their escorts were serenaded by music from the Sandy Creek marching band as they were fed breakfast and coffee for their early morning trip.

The buses carrying the veterans were escorted out of town by local police and sheriff's deputies along with a motorcycle motorcade from the Patriot Guard Riders.

The veterans left Fayetteville United Methodist Church proceeding through an honor line consisting of other local veterans and the the Junior ROTC unit from Sandy Creek.

Well-wishers waved flags, shouted cheers and applauded as the buses passed by on their way to Hartsfield-Jackson airport.

The veterans are being taken free of charge courtesy of Honor Flight Fayette, a non-profit that has raised money from local individuals, groups and businesses to fund the flights.

In addition to having an escort for each veteran to make their trip easier, medical personnel are also on the flight should an emergency arise.