ATLANTA -- Nearly a hundred Georgia veterans of World War II took a 17-hour trip to Washington, DC and back to see the nation’s World War II memorial.

The Rotary Club of Roswell organized the trip and raised the money so all of the veterans went free.

The honors began as they pulled out of Roswell before dawn with a motorcycle escort down the highway and right to their gate at the airport. When the 98 veterans got off the plane in Washington they saw the reception U.S. Airways arranged.

SLIDESHOW: Georgia WWII Veterans Get First-Class Visit To Washington, D.C. Memorial

“I think this is fantastic,” said one veteran.

It was a better welcome than coming home from the war.

“It’s overwhelming, really. I think of the guys who should be here and aren’t. It just gets me,” said WWII Veteran George Finch.

VIDEO: Georgia WWII Veterans Get First-Class Visit To Washington, DC Memorial

In Washington, they got escorts worthy of the president. They drove past monuments to Washington and Lincoln to one for them – the World War II memorial.

“It’s beautiful. I love it,” said Finch.

Pat Patterson was gunners mate in the Pacific, from the Arctic to the Tropics.

“It sure does (bring back memories,) said Patterson. “Makes you want to cry.”

Most walked, some rode wheelchairs and they posed with senators.

“I’m so glad and thankful to the Rotary who made a way for us to get here,” said WWII Veteran Alexander “Sudie” Nuckles.

The Roswell Rotary used a program by the Honor Flight Network to put the trip together.