CHICAGO (WLS) — Several of the nation’s war heroes are headed to the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana, and they have some young learners making the trip with them.

It is a way to honor the veterans’ service and sacrifice and a special history lesson for some Chicago-area high school students who are embarking on a journey with members of the Greatest Generation to learn that it was like serving the country during World War II.

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There was some fanfare before their flight with a special send-off for the World War II veterans.

They headed to the National World War II Museum courtesy of the Gary Sinise Foundation.

Among the 11 veterans making the trip is 98-year old Charles Brooking.

“I’m really proud that I was able to help defend our country,” Brooking said.

Brooking was only 17 when he joined the Navy. He served on a PT boat in the South Pacific.

“We were in closer contact in wartime than any other Navy vessel in WWII,” Brooking said.

Brooking’s daughter Christina Grendzinski said he didn’t talk much about his experience until about 10 years ago when Vietnam vets encouraged him to share his story.

“He’s almost the last WWII veteran in our county in northeastern Pennsylvania, so it’s super important he gets to take part in these events,” Grendzinski said.

Now, Brooking and his fellow vets are helping to teach younger generations about World War II. They were paired with students from Glenbard West High School in Glen Ellyn, who are also making the trip and will learn from members of the Greatest Generation.

“They’re gonna get a great experience and learn about one people and a time period that they are far removed from, but I think the goal is to get them more connected,” chaperone Paul Hezlett said.

The veterans and students will stay in New Orleans the next couple of days and return to Chicago on Friday.

“Those students get to learn firsthand the stories of service and sacrifice and how to live in peace time as well,” said Kaitlin Frisch with the Gary Sinise foundation.