Rep. Steve Pearce (R-New Mexico). Photo from Facebook

Correction: Rep. Steve Pearce (R-New Mexico) returned to the United States last Wednesday, according to his office. It was his plane that was grounded in Spain, not the Congressman.

A set of memorials made by members of a New Mexico tribe were placed in Thailand to honor war veterans.

Rep. Steve Pearce (R-New Mexico) took the tributes from Isleta Pueblo with him on a solo flight around the world. According to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the items include a bear that symbolizes strength and courage and an arrowhead to represent the field of battle.

Pearce, who served in the Vietnam War, began his journey on March 27 and intended to fly back home but his plane was grounded in Spain due to weather issues, The Hobbs News-Sun reported. The 68-year-old Congressman is back in the United States.

Get the Story:
New Mexico Congressman honors vets with solo world flight (AP / The Hobbs News-Sun 4/18)
A 'life changing' mission (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association 4/14)