On board LLHF Mission #51 to Washington, DC, will
be 1 World War II, 19 Korean War and 65 Vietnam War Era Veterans -
all excited to visit and reflect with their comrades at their
national memorials. These veterans represent all branches of
military service: 9 Air Force, 49 Army, 8 Marine and 18 Navy and 1
Coast Guard.
Eighty- five (53) Veterans and their Guardians will arrive at the
airport Tuesday morning at 4:15 AM, having traveled from the 40
Illinois cities and communities of Bethalto, Brighton, Bulpitt,
Champaign, Chatham, Chesterfield, Clinton, Coulterville, Danville,
Decatur, Dwight, Effingham, Fairbury, Franklin, Girard, Godfrey,
Greenfield, Havana, Hillview, Jacksonville, Kampsville, Kincaid,
Lincoln, Macon, Mattoon, Mt. Zion, New Berlin, Normal, Oakwood,
Onarga, Palmyra, Perry, Philo, Roodhouse, Shelbyville, Springfield,
Taylorville, Tilden, White Hall and Winchester as well as Frohna,
MO.
Our veterans will board three (3) luxury motor coaches upon arrival
at Ronald Reagan National Airport in DC. Their most important stops
will be at the World War II, Korean and Vietnam War memorials, as
well as Arlington National Cemetery for the Changing of the Guard
ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Other stops include the
Lincoln Memorial, the National Air & Space Museum (Chantilly,
Virginia) and the US Air Force Memorial.
This day of honor is provided at absolutely no cost to our Veterans.
They have paid enough; it is our turn to pay them back.
The return to Springfield airport is planned at 9:30 PM and the
general public, along with friends and family, are encouraged to
“pack the ‘port” to Welcome Home these heroes. Come early.
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All are encouraged to wear red- white-blue patriotic
colors, bring balloons, posters, etc. to show appreciation and
support to these Veterans who served and sacrificed so much for our
country. Words of thanks, handshakes, hugs and kisses are also
allowed!
Veteran applications continue to be accepted with
flight priority given in the following order: World War II (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.
Veteran or Guardian Applications may be obtained at
www.LandofLincolnHonorFlight.org by clicking on Applications tab.
LLHF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that receives no
government funding. It is only able to honor the Veteran with a trip
to DC due to the generous donations, sponsorships, fundraising
events, merchandise sales and supporting efforts of the many local
businesses, individuals and organizations within our service area.
Please visit the web site to make a donation, consider holding a
fundraiser, book a board member speaker or obtain more information
on the Honor Flight mission. Also consider following LLHF on
Facebook page to stay current on upcoming events and future flights.
[Text from file received from
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