PHOTO GALLERY: 64 veterans participate in Honor Flight

By JIAXI LU/Missourian

July 4, 2012 | 7:40 p.m. CDT

More than 900 people waited outside the Courtyard by Marriott hotel early Wednesday morning for the return of 64 veterans who traveled to Washington, D.C., on an Honor Flight.

Community members help set up a hot air balloon during Central Missouri Honor Flight #19 homecoming on Wednesday at Courtyard by Marriott in Columbia. | JIAXI LU/Missourian

Kamden Nolte, 7, clutches an American flag while watching 950 motorcycles escort the bus that carried 64 veterans into Columbia. A brother of Kamden's mother, Amanda Nolte, was one of the patriotic riders. | JIAXI LU/Missourian

Tessa Chambers hugs her grandfather Howell Wheaton during the veteran’s homecoming. Wheaton served in the Marines during the World War II. | JIAXI LU/Missourian

About 950 motorcycles escorted the bus that carried 64 veterans who came back from Washington, D.C. Patriotic riders arrived at Courtyard by Marriott shortly before 2 a.m. Wednesday. | JIAXI LU/Missourian

Vietnam War veteran Adrian Rogers, second from left, returned from his trip to tour war memorials in Washington, D.C. His mother, Carol Rogers; his best friend, Nancy Platz, and Nancy's husband, Larry Platz, welcomed him at Courtyard by Marriott on Wednesday. | JIAXI LU/Missourian

De Minner, left, welcomes her father, George Hage, a World War II veteran, at Courtyard by Marriott on Wednesday. Hage said this is his second time being an honor flight rider. “I’m exhilarated and ready to roll,” Hage said. | JIAXI LU/Missourian