templar223
Plinker
- Jul 20, 2010
- 116
- 18
As the author, permission is granted to republish/reprint this with attribution.
Thanks.
I noticed at least one of these WWII vets was from Ft. Wayne, Indiana on this flight.
John
Welcome Home Grampa Ed!
Ed Fletcher is welcomed home by his great grandchildren at the return of the Central Illinois Honor Flight on Friday night, October 19. 2012.
PHOTO GALLERY
Savoy (Guns Save Life) - Willard Airport in Savoy, IL hosted several hundred central Illinoisans, scores of emergency vehicles, a high school band and a huge flag suspended between two fire department ladder trucks to welcome back 65 World War II veterans from a two-day trip to Washington, D.C. as part of the Honor Flight program.
Over 900 flags lined the entrance to the airport and the excited crowd braved chilly temperatures and a light drizzle to welcome each of the equally thrilled veterans off the plane, one at a time.
Scores of emergency vehicles were present, along with hundreds of people to welcome back the veterans just a couple of minutes before the plane made it’s approach.
The vets were taken to see the World War II war memorial, along with memorials for the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and memorials to each military service branch. In addition, they were taken to the Smithsonian, the National Air and Space Museum and Arlington National Cemetery as part of the trip.
Firefighters carefully raise Old Glory ahead of the arrival of the Honor Flight from Washington D.C.
The crowd was very enthusiastic and welcoming of the vets as they came down the steps from the plane. Volunteers helped each navigate the stairs with care and love to awaiting family members below.
At the base of the stairs, they were given a hug and often more and asked if they wanted to ride in a wheelchair back to the tent for the reception afterwards. A majority, despite being tired, declined the chair and walked proudly on the red carpet for the closing ceremony.
There were many smiles and tears of joy for the returning veterans. Everyone realized how this trip would certainly be something remembered forever among the participants.
Eighty plus more photos at the link.
Thanks.
I noticed at least one of these WWII vets was from Ft. Wayne, Indiana on this flight.
John
Welcome Home Grampa Ed!
Ed Fletcher is welcomed home by his great grandchildren at the return of the Central Illinois Honor Flight on Friday night, October 19. 2012.
PHOTO GALLERY
Savoy (Guns Save Life) - Willard Airport in Savoy, IL hosted several hundred central Illinoisans, scores of emergency vehicles, a high school band and a huge flag suspended between two fire department ladder trucks to welcome back 65 World War II veterans from a two-day trip to Washington, D.C. as part of the Honor Flight program.
Over 900 flags lined the entrance to the airport and the excited crowd braved chilly temperatures and a light drizzle to welcome each of the equally thrilled veterans off the plane, one at a time.
Scores of emergency vehicles were present, along with hundreds of people to welcome back the veterans just a couple of minutes before the plane made it’s approach.
The vets were taken to see the World War II war memorial, along with memorials for the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and memorials to each military service branch. In addition, they were taken to the Smithsonian, the National Air and Space Museum and Arlington National Cemetery as part of the trip.
Firefighters carefully raise Old Glory ahead of the arrival of the Honor Flight from Washington D.C.
The crowd was very enthusiastic and welcoming of the vets as they came down the steps from the plane. Volunteers helped each navigate the stairs with care and love to awaiting family members below.
At the base of the stairs, they were given a hug and often more and asked if they wanted to ride in a wheelchair back to the tent for the reception afterwards. A majority, despite being tired, declined the chair and walked proudly on the red carpet for the closing ceremony.
There were many smiles and tears of joy for the returning veterans. Everyone realized how this trip would certainly be something remembered forever among the participants.
Eighty plus more photos at the link.
