Land of Lincoln Honor Flight is set to kick off its flying season on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, with mission #65 departing from the Springfield Abraham Lincoln Capitol Airport for Washington DC. A total of 93 Central Illinois veterans will take part in the event, including one World War II veteran, four Korean era veterans, and 88 Vietnam era veterans. The day is all about showing appreciation for their service in the US Armed Forces and their contribution to the defense of our freedom.
The group of veterans and their 85 guardians, who cover their own expenses, will arrive at the airport at 4:00 AM after traveling from 58 different Illinois cities and communities. LLHF President Joan Bortolon expressed excitement about the new flying season and the opportunity to continue serving the most senior veterans with gratitude and appreciation.
The chartered Sun Country 737 aircraft will transport the passengers to Washington DC, where they will embark on luxury motorcoaches for a day that includes visits to the World War II, Korean, and Vietnam War memorials, Arlington National Cemetery Tomb of the Unknowns, the Lincoln Memorial, the National Air & Space Museum in Chantilly, Virginia, the US Marine Corps Memorial, and the US Air Force Memorial. This day of honor is provided at no cost to the veterans.
The veterans will return to Springfield airport at 9:30 PM on Tuesday, and the general public, friends, family, and LLHF alumni veterans are encouraged to pack the airport to welcome them home. Bortolon emphasized that the welcome home in Springfield is one of the most rewarding parts of the experience for the veterans.
Land of Lincoln Honor Flight is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that receives no government funding. Its ability to honor veterans is only made possible through the generous donations, sponsorships, fundraising events, merchandise sales, and supporting efforts of local businesses, individuals, and organizations within the service area. The organization is operated by volunteers, with no paid staff or office, and its overall administrative cost is approximately 1%. Veterans who have not yet taken an honor flight are encouraged to apply, with priority given to those who are seriously impaired or terminally ill. Veteran and Guardian Applications can be obtained at www.LandofLincolnHonorFlight.org by clicking on the Applications tab.