Central Valley vets enjoy exclusive Capitol tour, meet Speaker of the House

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Tuesday is a day veterans on the Central Valley Honor Flight will never forget.

Day two of the trip was packed with powerful moments, including a special tour of our nation’s Capitol, several memorials, and even a meeting with the Speaker of the House.

It was all gas and no brakes as the Central Valley Honor Flight received a no-stop police escort to the nation’s Capitol.

Sixty-seven Central Valley veterans and their guardians toured the U.S. Capitol, even getting the rare chance to stand on the House floor.

In order to be allowed on the House floor, you must be escorted by a congressman. Representative Vince Fong flew in early this morning to give these heroes a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“For me, someone who had been a guardian for Honor Flight, I got on a plane yesterday and landed at midnight. It’s the least we could do for our veterans,” said Fong.

While Fong was speaking to veterans on the House floor, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson walked in.

As the Speaker left the House chambers, veteran Greg Belemjian was there to shake his hand.

“You see it on TV all the time, but you never think you’re going to see it in real life. It is an experience I will take to my grave,” said Belemijian.

And that was just the start of the day’s journey.

After the Capitol, the group made stops at the Navy, Marine, and World War II memorials. Each visit a powerful reminder of their service and sacrifice.

Navy Veteran Danny Noe, who was on the USS Enterprise when a rocket accidentally exploded, is here thinking about his two friends who did not survive.

“It’s heartening, but I’m here. That’s the good thing, I guess, and unfortunately, they didn’t make it. They were doing what they did to protect everyone, and I just happened to get out alive,” said Noe.

At the World War II Memorial, Leonard Kizirian paused to remember his father, who helped liberate the Dachau concentration camp in Nazi Germany. He says his father inspired him to volunteer to serve for three years in Vietnam.

“I didn’t need someone to tell me I had to serve. I wanted to serve,” said Kizirian.

On Wednesday, you can go to Fresno Airport to be a part of the welcome home procession for your Central Valley heroes.