Part of the living monument of freedom moved out early Friday from Rapid City Regional Airport on its latest maneuvers.

The unit - 114 World War II veterans with South Dakota ties - is headed today to view the National World War II Memorial dedicated to their winning the peace.

Donald Leui of Martin was already impressed just with the dawn send-off for mission Honor Flight South Dakota.

His group was surrounded by an array of active-duty soldiers, political leaders, civilian well-wishers and other military veterans.

"I didn't expect a color guard. That's a pretty big deal," Leui said, setting down a bagel to fish out his camera.

Speakers assured the World War II vets they are a big deal.

"The America we have today would not be here if not for you," Gov. Mike Rounds said. "We have not forgotten what you have done."

South Dakota businesses, state employees, businesses and others contributed to provide the free round trip for the veterans, now in their 80s and 90s.

"We are grateful for your service. We are grateful for your sacrifice," U.S. Sen. John Thune said. His father, Harold Thune of Murdo, recently was inducted into the South Dakota Combat Aircrew Memorial hall of fame as a medal-winning Navy combat pilot.

"I hope he gets to make this trip someday," Sen. Thune said.

Delbert Sebade of Wall tends not to talk about the war and wasn't originally anxious to enlist for this weekend's journey to the World War II memorial and other capitol landmarks.

"He said, 'I can watch it on TV," his son, Norbert Sebade, said. As takeoff time got closer, however, his father's questions increased, and the Army reconnaissance veteran didn't hesitate in popping out of his chair when it came time to join the line for the plane.

"I think the excitement has kind of been building," said Norbert Sebade, one of the guardians accompanying the group. "I hope he has a good time."

So did the governor, who asked the group to stay safe and not over-do activities in the 40-hour outing. He also issued one lighthearted order: Stay out of jail.

Three former Lead High School students laughed when asked if they planned to chase girls in Washington, D.C.

"I could go for that," said Cliff Washburn of Spearfish, who had just worked with Honor Flight staff member Linda Anderson to refuel his oxygen bottle.

Washburn served in the Navy, as did companions Clarence Miles of Spearfish and Bert Thomas of Greeley, Colo. They worked on different ships across the world and could talk about Thomas' time in Guam, the Marianas and the Marshall Islands, or about the numerous damaged planes Miles saw pushed from his carrier into the ocean.

"There were dozens. We didn't try to fix them," Miles said.

"There wasn't time," Washburn said.

And instead of spending time telling war stories, they preferred to remember the fall of '41 and an unbeaten football team. Thomas said his late older brother Jack was in the backfield, and Washburn, who's still a head taller than Bert, "was the smallest guard they had."

"I played in the band," Miles said.

As the veterans spend more time together, "they get younger throughout the day, and their energy picks up," said David Landry, one of the volunteer Honor Flight support members.

"I suspect that your time together will be the most powerful" part of trip, 28th Bomb Wing Commander Col. Anthony Taliaferro told the group.

He has 600 personnel deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere, and said airmen are "encouraged to take the long view" and realize that, like their predecessors, dedication to service and securing freedom affects the world.

"We draw strength from our veterans," he said.

Saturday's schedule

Honor Flight South Dakota for Aug. 29:

*9 a.m.-noon: National World War II Memorial, Washington, D.C.

12:30-2 p.m.: Korean War Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial

2-3:30 p.m.: Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

3:30-4 p.m.: Driving tour by U.S. Capitol, White House, FBI headquarters

4 p.m.: U.S. Navy Memorial

5:30-8 p.m.: Dinner break, Dulles International Airport

9:30 p.m.: Rapid City Regional Airport

10 p.m.: Welcome home reception, VFW Post 1273, 420 Main St.

*Local time estimates.