Alaska Airlines announced that it partnered with Last Frontier Honor Flight Program to take veterans to memorials in Washington D.C. 23 veterans from Alaska went to D.C. on Tuesday to view memorials for the first time.

The veterans served during World War II, the Korean War, and through the Alaska Territorial Guard. According to the airline, they’ll experience a four-night, five-day tour to many of the national monuments courtesy of what is the second Honor Flight out of Alaska of 2015.

“Alaska Airlines is a proud supporter of all past and present members of our military,” said Marilyn Romano, Alaska Airlines’ regional vice president – Alaska. “Through our continued partnership with the Last Frontier Honor Flight, we have had the privilege of flying nearly 160 brave men and women to Washington over the past four years, honoring the sacrifices they have made for our country.”
Since 2012, Alaska Airlines has donated nearly $200,000 in free air travel and discounted companion travel to the Last Frontier Honor Flight program, annually providing the opportunity for 50 Alaska veterans and their guardians to view the nation’s memorials that are dedicated in their honor. Alaska is the only airline to operate Honor Flights for veterans in the state of Alaska.

“We work continually throughout the year to make these flights happen and we deeply appreciate our partners at Alaska Airlines,” said Ron Travis, president of Last Frontier Honor Flight. “When a veteran who is in their 90s looks at us with tears in their eyes to say thank you, we are honored to do it.”

Alaska Airlines says the veterans will return to a hero’s welcome at the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport on Saturday.

Alaska Airlines is also in the news for a flight from New Jersey to Seattle that was diverted to Buffalo after smoke was detected.