ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A tradition that honors surviving World War II veterans is returning for the first time in the pandemic-era.

Organizers of Honor Flight Rochester (HFR) say Mission 70 is set to take flight over the September 11 weekend, the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks.

Flights all of last year and the first half of this year were canceled.

"It is time to resume operations and for our community to come together to once again show our appreciation and gratitude to our area Veterans," HFR president Rich Stewart said in a statement.

Hundreds of volunteers help veterans travel to Washington D.C. to visit war memorials.

More flights will be scheduled for the fall with six more missions planned for 2022.