A Nicholasville veteran recently participated in the University of Kentucky Honor Flight, the first Honor Flight in the nation to be sponsored by a university.

United States military veteran Gilbert Littrell was among 70 other veterans to visit memorials on an all-expense-paid trip to Washington D.C. on Saturday, May 20.

The group arrived at the Blue Grass Airport before sunrise and was welcomed with patriotic colors, a massive American flag and a send-off filled with applause by family, friends and strangers who were also traveling that day.

The veterans served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

When the veterans arrived at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, they were greeted with more applause from people of all ages.

The day-long trip consisted of visits to the Iwo Jima Memorial (The United States Marine Corps War Memorial), Women In Military Service For America Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Air Force Memorial.

When the veterans arrived at the Lincoln Memorial, the steps were filled with D.C.-area UK alumni to greet them with the signature C-A-T-S cheer.

After a diverted flight, the group arrived back at the airport later than expected that night, according to The University of Kentucky, but they still took home plenty of memories and had a large and love-filled welcome home.