After a long break due to COVID Mission #61 of the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight is ‘wheels up’ on Tuesday, July 19th.
Honor Flight is a service organization that takes veterans to Washington DC to tour the memorials.
Ninety-six (96) Veterans and their guardians will be on board this flight from Abraham Lincoln Capitol Airport including 1 World War II, 4 Korean War and 91 Vietnam War Era Veterans representing all branches of military service.
Vets from all over Illinois will participate including folks from Springfield, Jacksonville, Lincoln, Pleasant Plains, and Taylorville
These heroes return to newly-renovated Springfield airport at 9:30 PM on that Tuesday. The general public, friends and family, and LLHF alumni veterans are encouraged to “pack the ‘port” to welcome home these heroes. One Honor Flight official says, “Most of our Veterans did not receive a welcome home upon their discharge – a welcome home and thank you they earned and deserve. It is a very memorable and healing part of the Honor Flight experience and the Springfield crowds never disappoint them. We appreciate every member of the general public who makes the effort to participate.”
Greeters are encouraged to arrive early and show appreciation for and support of these Veterans who sacrificed so much for our country. Parking assistance and a parking lot shuttle bus will be available for those attending this event.
Land of Lincoln Honor Flight is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that receives no government funding. It is only able to honor Veterans due to the donations, sponsorships, fundraising events, merchandise sales and supporting efforts of the many local businesses, individuals and organizations within their service area. Land of Lincoln Honor Flight is operated by all volunteers; it has no paid staff, no office and no utilities costs. Their on-going administrative cost is approximately 1% so virtually every dollar raised supports flight costs for the Veterans.
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 and Guardian Applications may be obtained at www.LandofLincolnHonorFlight.org by clicking on Applications tab.
Since the inception in 2009, Land of Lincoln Honor Flight has been privileged to serve 4,730 veterans on 61 flights. Additional 2022 flights are planned for July 19, August 30, September 27 and November 1.
Follow LLHF on Facebook to stay current on upcoming events and view travels on flight day.