The news he is London-bound is still sinking in for Mount Maunganui octogenarian Lou Woodward.
The former Lancaster bomber radio operator is one of three locals preparing to attend a memorial unveiling for the Bomber Command at London's Green Park next month.
Mr Woodward, who served in the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) with Bomber Command during World War II, will be joined at the June 28 dedication and unveiling by fellow Mount Maunganui resident Jack Meehan, 91, and Arnie Meyer, 89, of Papamoa Beach.
The 32 New Zealand veterans will travel to London by RNZAF Boeing 757 with all travel, accommodation, transport and medical costs being funded by Veterans Affairs New Zealand.
Around 6000 New Zealanders served with Bomber Command between 1939 and 1945, bombing various targets considered crucial to the war effort, as well as undertaking many other well known operations, including the Dambusters raids.
More than 90 expressions of interest for the trip were received, however about 40 applications were subsequently withdrawn by veterans themselves as they reconsidered their ability to make such an arduous journey.
Mr Woodward was pleased to be selected to return to the United Kingdom for the event. "It's been a long time coming. The loss was greater in Bomber Command than in any other service ... [but] Bomber Command never got the recognition, as others did," he said.
Mr Woodward flew 19 missions in 1945 and said he was excited to be travelling to London for the unveiling of what he called a "very impressive" monument.
"It's a long time after the war and I'm getting on now, [but] it's recognition.
"I'm still absorbing it. We are going to be taken very good care of," he said.
Veterans Affairs general manager Rick Ottaway said he was delighted to have a strong delegation of RNZAF veterans travelling to the unveiling. "It's great to see so many veterans able to travel to London to commemorate the 1851 RNZAF serviceman who lost their lives serving with Bomber Command.
"It's an honour to give these brave RNZAF veterans the opportunity to attend the dedication and unveiling and to allow them to share their stories," he said.
The 70-metre long memorial to the men of Bomber Command has been paid for by the British public and benefactors.