Many of the 56,000 living in Missouri will never get the chance to see their World War II memorial in Washington, D.C. without help.

A group called "Show Me Honor Flight" of Pettis County is helping local veterans get that chance.

Recently, 32 veterans loaded up before sun up in Kansas City for something they've waited more than 60 years to see.

"This has been a long time coming for World War II veterans," said Marsha Lefevers, the daughter of veteran Carl Dumsday.

Dumsday lives in California and is 86 years old. He was there ready to make a trip that would stir some memories.

"I'll probably have a few tears," he said.

Some of the veterans leaving for Washington, D.C. that day hadn't been on a plane since the war. Thanks to Show Me Honor Flight, they all got a chance to see the memorial dedicated to their efforts.

The group's importance was not lost on the veterans, some of whom live on fixed incomes. Without the help of Show Me Honor Flight, getting to the nation's capital might not be possible for these 80 and 90 year olds.

The group also paid airfare for sons and daughters to accompany their dads to the memorial. Dumsday's sons flew in from Jefferson City, Idaho and Ireland to surprise him at the airport, and create a de facto family reunion.

An even bigger surprise waited in Washington. There, whether it was the airport gate or the gates of Arlington Cemetery, strangers stopped to shake these Missouri veterans' hands.

When they finally arrived at the World War II memorial, even an overcast sky couldn't dim their delight.

"Fantastic. I had never dreamed it would be anything like this," said Bill Ragland, a World War Two veteran from Clinton, MO. 

The veterans saw a freedom wall with more than 4,000 stars. Each one represents 100 American lives lost during World War II, more than 400,000 in all.

"I seen tears in his eyes. It was just ecstatic to see him overwhelmed," said Lefevers about her father's time at the wall.

Show Me Honor Flight focused its efforts for this trip on Sedalia area veterans but there are thousands more living in the Columbia and Jefferson City area waiting for someone to start an "honor flight" hub here.   If you're interested in helping the new Central Missouri Honor Flight, contact Sarah Hill at the Tv station sarahhill@komu.com .  Donations should be made in care of Central Missouri Honor Flight, c/o KOMU-TV, 5550 Highway 63 South, Columbia, MO  65201.  You'll find an application for veterans on our homepage.