News : Residents honor World War II vets at Honor Flight orientation

More than 100 people lined the streets to welcome Honor Flight vets to their orientation Thursday.

Brian and DeAnn Reeves and son Ben show their support for WWII vets.

Korea veteran and Hiawatha Legion member Clarence Sampson stands to honor WWII veterans.

When the World War II veterans who participate in the Honor Flight Sept. 14 return home, hundreds of people will be there to welcome them at the Eastern Iowa Airport.

The veterans, including eight from Benton County, saw a preview of that welcome on Thursday.

As they drove to the St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton Church in Hiawatha, 12th Avenue from Boyson Road was lined with small flags on both sides. Also, more than 100 people held large flags or waved smaller flags.

"Thank You" and "God Bless America" read signs held by Brian and DeAnn Reeves of Cedar Rapids. The Reeves were just one of many families who stood together honoring the veterans. Eric and Julie Lear of Cedar Rapids, accompanied by their four young children -- Brooklyn, Sydney, Madison and Colton, also stood along 12 Avenue in honor of the veterans.

The impromptu tribute was the work of the Hiawatha City Council, the Hiawatha Legion, and area Scout troops. The C.R. TV stations also announced the event, which inspired others to show up. One participant said she was honoring the World War II veterans, as well as her seven brothers who served in the U.S. military.

Eight Benton County veterans will participate in the Honor Flight. The welcome home ceremony will take place at the airport when the veterans return at around 10 p.m. The public is invited to attend.