CHICAGO, September 12, 2012 -- While many folks were still sleeping, 95 World War II veterans from the Chicago area showed up extra early this morning at Midway International Airport for a very special day trip to Washington D.C. to visit the WWII Memorial sponsored by Honor Flight Chicago.

Among those traveling today are brothers Nick and George Collias. Nick, 86, who retired as an Army Major, said the trip was a great opportunity. George, 85, also served in the Army as a Lt. Colonel. Both men still live in Chicago; Nick is a South sider and George resides on the North Side.

Brothers-in-the-Army Maj. Nick and Lt. Col. George Collias

Virginia Fritz, 90, began her military career as a nurse cadet at Presbyterian Hospital in Chicago. She eventually graduated and went on to pursue her career in Kankakee, Illinois, where she worked until she was 75-years-old.

Nurse cadet Virginia Fritz

 And Josh Dean, 91, served in the Army from 1942 to 1946 and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was stationed at various outposts in Australia, New Guinea and the Philippines during the war.

While in the nation's capital today, the veterans will experience a day of remembrance and reminiscing for some who have waited more than 60 years to see the WWII Memorial. The veterans will also visit the Iwo Jima, Lincoln, Korean and Vietnam memorials. Honor Flight Chicago and Southwest Airlines facilitate the trips, with assistance from United Service Organizations (USO) of Illinois volunteers.

The Legacy Girls entertain at Midway

The morning's departure celebration included performances by the vocal trio "Legacy Girls," who pay tribute to the famous Andrew Sisters, a close harmony singing group of the of the 1930s and 40s. The Legacy Girls perform popular songs of the World War II era and do roll-call for all branches of the Armed Services.

Midway Airport Concessions (MAC One) provided breakfast sandwiches, coffee and juice for the veterans before boarding their plane.

Army Staff Sgt. Josh Dean

Hundreds of family, friends and supporters are expected to welcome the veterans when they return to Midway this evening. In addition, dozens of active duty military personnel; the USO of Illinois; and Chicago Police Department Pipes and Drums Corps will participate in the arrival festivities.

This is Honor Flight Chicago's seventh flight of the 2012 season, which runs through October.