ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Fifty local military veterans took a free trip to Washington, D.C. this weekend in recognition of their service.

Honor Flight Rochester returned home Sunday after taking former soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines to the nation’s capital.

Veterans there visited memorials in their honor and remembered their fellow servicemen who gave their lives to defend the country.

Those veterans served in conflicts from the Vietnam war, the Korean War and World War II.

"[It] was one of the best times of my whole life,” Vietnam veteran Robert Rapone said. “I really appreciate this organization. They've done so much with the volunteers they have, it's unbelievable. I totally enjoyed it".

Since 2008, Honor Flight has flown over 3,000 local veterans to Washington, D.C.

The next three honor flights will be taking off in the fall.