A Family Reunion Turns Into A Hero's Welcome In Philadelphia
By Todd Quinones
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It was a surprise hero's welcome for a World War II veteran who doesn't think he's a hero at all.
"That hero thing, I'm sorry I can't buy that. The good heroes, you know where they are, they're buried," Louis Marini said.
In 1944, Louis Marini who grew up in South Philadelphia, but now lives outside Los Angeles, served with the 3rd Army in France and Germany.
His older brother Hank, who now lives in Ridley Park, served in Greenland during the war.
Monday the brothers were back together again for what will likely be a once in a lifetime trip.
They are heading to the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. Saturday.
"I've never seen it. I have always wanted to," Louis Marini said.
The trip is the work of a volunteer group called Honor Flight.
They bring veterans from across the country to see the war memorials.
"A lot of these veterans haven't been there. They don't have the financial means or they don't have the physical means to get there," Andrew Schiavello said.
Southwest Airlines flew Louis out for free to make sure the brothers see the memorial together.
"The fellas who set this up, must have came from heaven," Hank Marini said.
"All I can say is thanks. It was very thoughtful," Louis Marini said.
The Marini brothers will be among 157 mostly local veterans who are being bused down to see the memorials this weekend.
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