Two World War II veterans from McHenry County spent Wednesday touring the monuments and memorials of the nation’s capital. But the Honor Flight participants were awed by the family, friends and volunteers who greeted them at Midway Airport late Wednesday on their return from Washington, D.C.

Joined by 94 other local WWII veterans, Philip LoMonaco and Lewis Hague said they were astounded by the thousands of people who thanked and recognized them for their military service.

“Coming into the terminal, it was just loaded with people,” said LoMonaco, a Huntley resident in his 90s. “That was the most impressive thing – the people that came out to see us when we landed. That just overwhelmed me.”