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 On board LLHF Flight #50 to Washington, DC, will
be 1 World War II, 12 Korean War and 70 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: 17 Air Force, 38 Army, 10 Marine and 18 Navy.
Eighty- three (83) Veterans and their Guardians will arrive at the
airport Tuesday morning at 4:15 AM, having traveled from the 54
Illinois cities and communities of Altamont, Aroma Park, Ashland,
Ashmore, Bethany, Bridgeport, Brighton, Carrollton, Casey,
Champaign, Chapin, Chatham, Cissna Park, Cowden, Danville, Dawson,
Decatur, Effingham, Eureka, Girard, Jacksonville, Litchfield,
Livingston, Maroa, Mascoutah, Mason City, Mechanicsburg, Modesto,
Moweaqua, Murrayville, Nokomis, Oblong, Onarga, Oreana, Palmyra,
Pawnee, Petersburg, Raymond, , Riverton, Rochester, Sherman,
Shipman, Springfield, Staunton, Stewardson, Taylorville, Tower Hill,
Urbana, Virginia, Wapella, Willow Hill and Wood River.
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.
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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. 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.LandofLincolnHonor
Flight.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.
[Joan Bortolon, President
Land of Lincoln Honor Flight] |
