The Land of Lincoln Honor Flight will conclude its 2024 season with Mission #72 on October 15, serving 92 veterans. This mission includes two Korean War-era veterans and 90 Vietnam-era veterans, hailing from 53 towns across Illinois, such as Auburn, Decatur, Springfield, and Riverton. These veterans represent all branches of the military.
Veterans and their guardians will gather at the Abraham Lincoln Capitol Airport at 4:00 a.m. for their departure to Washington, D.C., aboard a chartered Sun Country 737 aircraft. The day will include visits to significant national memorials, including those honoring World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, as well as Arlington National Cemetery’s Tomb of the Unknowns, the Lincoln Memorial, the National Air & Space Museum, the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial, and the U.S. Air Force Memorial. The entire day of honor comes at no cost to the veterans, funded solely by public donations.
The veterans are scheduled to return to Springfield at 9:30 p.m. on October 15, where the public, friends, family, and fellow veterans are encouraged to greet them at the airport. "The welcome home at the airport is very special to our veterans; it is the experience our veterans earned and deserve - but never received," said LLHF President Joan Bortolon. Greeters are encouraged to arrive early to show their appreciation, with parking and shuttle services provided free of charge.
Looking ahead to 2025, Bortolon expressed enthusiasm for continuing the honor flights and encouraged World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans to apply. Priority will be given to seriously impaired or terminally ill veterans. Applications for veterans and guardians can be submitted via the organization’s website. Additionally, the "Flightless Honor Flight" program is available for veterans unable to travel due to physical limitations.
The Land of Lincoln Honor Flight is a volunteer-operated, non-profit organization that relies entirely on donations. Since its founding, over 5,700 Central Illinois veterans have been served through 70 flights. With no paid staff and minimal overhead, nearly every dollar raised supports flight costs for the veterans.
For more information or to apply, visit www.LandofLincolnHonorFlight.org.