On this no-cost, day long trip to Washington, DC, to visit and
reflect at their national memorials, all the Veterans will be
accompanied by a volunteer escort. These Guardians pay their own way
and are responsible for the comfort, logistics, mobility and safety
of their doyen for the day.
These 78 heroes come from 47 Illinois cities and communities,
consisting of Alsey, Alton, Auburn, Beecher City, Benld, Bethalto,
Bloomington, Breese, Buckley, Bushnell, Carmi, Champaign,
Charleston, Clinton, Concord, Congerville, Danville, Decatur,
Dorsey, Edinburg, Effingham, Findlay, Flora, Gifford, Godfrey,
Hillsboro, Jacksonville, Jewett, Lawrenceville, Lerna, Lincoln,
Litchfield, Meredosia, Morrisonville, Moweaqua, New Douglas, Onarga,
Paris, Paxton, Peoria, Shelbyville, Sherman, South Jacksonville,
Springfield, Taylorville, Wheeler and Winchester
Departing Springfield shortly after 6 AM, the Veterans and Guardians
will land at Ronald Reagan National Airport in DC, then be
transported on three coach buses designated Red, White and Blue for
the day. Their itinerary includes the World War II, Korean and
Vietnam War National Memorials, the Air Force & Marine (Iwo Jima)
Memorials, the National Air & Space Museum and Arlington National
Cemetery, where they will view the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers and
Changing of the Guard. During the day they will also have the
opportunity to visit the Lincoln Memorial, as well as see the
Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, the White House, the
Pentagon and much more from the bus prior to departing back to
Springfield.
Friends, family and the general public are encouraged to come to the
Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport that evening to show your
appreciation for the service and sacrifices these Veterans gave to
the country. They are expected to return around 9:30 PM, although it
is suggested to be to the airport at least 30-45 minutes earlier.
Show your patriotic spirit with red-white-blue clothing, balloons,
posters, small flags, handshakes, hugs, etc.
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Although Land of Lincoln Honor Flight will have completed this
year’s flying season with the October 27th flight, Veteran
applications continue to be accepted and flights will begin again
next spring. Priority is given in the following order: World War II
(person enlisted by 12/31/1946), then Korean War Era (01/01/1947 to
12/31/1957), followed by the Vietnam War Era (01/01/1958 to
05/07/1975). Any certified terminally ill Veteran should contact
LLHF directly.
An application may be obtained at www.LandofLincolnHonorFlight.org
or contact volunteer John Dust, phone 309-339-0227 or email
HonorFlightGuy@aol.com. LLHF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization
that receives no government funding or grants. It is only able to
honor the Veterans on these flights to DC due to the generous
donations, sponsorships, fundraising events, merchandise sales and
supporting efforts of the many local businesses, individuals and
organizations within their service area. Please visit the web site
to make a donation, consider holding a fundraiser, book a board
member speaker or to obtain more information on the Honor Flight
mission. Also consider following LLHF on their Facebook page to stay
current on upcoming events and flights for next year.
[Text from file received from
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