Herschell Luckinbill will present a program about Honor Flight Chicago at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 12, at The Timbers of Shorewood, 1100 N. River Rd., Shorewood.
Honor Flight Chicago was founded to recognize veterans – specifically WWII veterans – with a day of honor, remembrance and celebration from a proud and grateful nation. Since its inception in 2008, Honor Flight Chicago has sponsored 25 flights to Washington D.C., taking more than 2,000 local WWII veterans to visit the nation’s capital.
Although each flight costs $50,000, the veterans experience a day of tribute and respect at no expense to them. A highlight of the day is a visit to the World War II Memorial at which they have a chance to remember and reflect about their experiences of more than 60 years ago.
Another highlight is titled Mail Call. Each veteran receives an envelope of letters and cards from family, friends, schoolchildren, and grateful strangers. When their flight arrives back in Chicago, they are greeted by several thousand cheering supporters including bagpipers, color guards, motorcycle clubs, student groups and active duty military personnel. It’s quite a welcome home.
More than 700 guardians and volunteers work tirelessly year round to not only raise money for these flights, but also to provide veteran outreach, community and school education, and public relations support. Guardians are selected based on a number of factors. The number of guardians varies depending on the needs of the veterans on that particular flight. There are approximately 40 guardians on the actual flight.
Veterans are placed on the waiting list on a first-come, first-served basis according to the following priorities: World War II veterans and terminally ill veterans of any conflict, followed by Korean War and then Vietnam veterans.
The Timbers of Shorewood is a rental retirement community which provides independent and assisted living apartments as well as a full schedule of activities and services. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay - a weekend, a week, a month or longer.
The public is invited, and admission is free. For more information call Shelly Goggins at 815-609-0669.
