It's the middle of the night, but flags stand at attention, ready to welcome back two of South Dakota's oldest heroes.
Darrel Christopherson and Konrad O'Hearn, both Pearl Harbor survivors, were in Hawaii to honor the 70th anniversary of the infamous attack.
"Beautiful. Enjoyed every minute of it." Said O'Hearn.
The last time Christopherson went back to Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona Memorial hadn't been built.
He says he was blown away by all the new museums and tributes built to him and his shipmates.
"It's great that so much money has been used to build this place just for Pearl Harbor survivors." said Christopherson.
No matter where they were in Hawaii, the two former sailors say they've never been treated better and the trip was one they'll never forget.
"One thing that makes it so special is the people you meet, they don't forget you." Said Christopherson.
"People would come up to us asking, are you a Pearl Harbor survivor? yes. Can I have my picture taken with you? that was something else." Said O'Hearn.
But even before they arrived, both men say complete strangers wanted to give their thanks.
"Every plane we rode on made mention they had Pearl Harbor survivors onboard and they honored us." Said Christopherson.
Both men say there were so many things that made this trip unforgettable.
But both agree receiving the warmest of welcomes back home is special as well.
"It's a great feeling not only going over but coming home to something like this here." Said Christopherson.
The survivors were only able to make the trip thanks to donations from several local organizations including Hoven Elementary School and the American Legion.
Both O'Hearn and Christopherson say this was likely their last trip back to Pearl Harbor.
