PHOENIX — It was a special send-off for 15 World War II veterans and Valley students at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Wednesday morning, ahead of their departure to New Orleans on a donated charter flight.

The group is traveling to visit the National WWII Museum, on a trip made possible thanks to a partnership between American Airlines and the Gary Sinise Foundation.

“We’re here to thank the World War II generation,” said Randy Stillinger, military and veterans initiatives manager for American Airlines. “We owe a debt of gratitude… we like to say at American, we fly freely around the world, because of what you’ve done, so thank you to our World War II veterans.”

Bagpipes could be heard throughout the airport as the veterans were escorted to a special ceremony.

“This is

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