The Land of Lincoln Honor Flight (LLHF) is gearing up for an extraordinary journey as Mission #68 takes off on Tuesday, August 22, 2023. A total of 93 veterans, including 2 Korean-era and 91 Vietnam-era veterans, will gather at the Springfield Abraham Lincoln Capitol Airport, representing 54 towns across Illinois, including Assumption, Beardstown, Belleville, and many others. Notably, veterans from Springfield, MO, and Florissant, MO, will also join this honorable flight.
The veterans, accompanied by 86 Guardians, will convene at the airport bright and early at 4:00 AM. They are embarking on a heartfelt trip to Washington DC aboard a chartered Sun Country 737 aircraft. Their destination includes revered landmarks such as the World War I, Korean, and Vietnam War memorials, the 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. LLHF extends this day of honor to veterans at absolutely no cost, in recognition of their invaluable service.
Joan Bortolon, LLHF President, underscores the organization's commitment, stating: "Our mission is to show our most senior veterans our gratitude for their service by hosting this day of thanks absolutely free to the veteran. They have paid enough; it is our turn to pay them back."
The heroes' return is eagerly anticipated, scheduled for 9:30 PM on Tuesday. The LLHF invites the general public, friends, family, and fellow LLHF alumni veterans to participate in a heartwarming homecoming at the Springfield airport. Bortolon passionately expresses, "Please come to the airport to give our veterans the welcome home they earned, deserved, and never received." She encourages greeters to arrive early, demonstrating appreciation and support for the sacrifices these veterans have made for the country. Free parking is available, and volunteers will be on hand to assist guests and direct them to the shuttle bus, ensuring a seamless experience.
Bortolon extends an invitation to all eligible veterans: "We encourage any World War II, Korean Era, or Vietnam Era veteran to apply now. The waiting list for future flights has never been shorter. This is your time to be honored." LLHF prioritizes seriously impaired or terminally ill veterans for flight participation. Applications for both veterans and Guardians can be accessed at www.LandofLincolnHonorFlight.org under the Applications tab.
Land of Lincoln Honor Flight operates as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, reliant on the generosity of donations, sponsorships, fundraising events, and merchandise sales to fulfill its mission. Comprising entirely of volunteers, the organization incurs minimal administrative costs, ensuring that the vast majority of funds raised directly benefit flight costs for veterans.
