Chicago, IL, 2019-Apr-11 — /Travel PR News/ — The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) announced it will once again welcome military veterans from the Chicago area to Midway International Airport for day-trips to Washington, D.C., to visit the National Monuments. For the first time, the 12th season of Honor Flight Chicago (HFC) will include Vietnam War veterans, in addition to World War II and Korean War veterans. The 89th HFC trip will take flight on April 10, with seven total trips planned for the 2019 season.
“The Chicago Department of Aviation is proud to thank our brave military men and women who sacrificed and put their life on the line to defend our freedom,” said Jamie L. Rhee, Commissioner, CDA. “We are grateful for our continued partnership with Honor Flight Chicago, helping create one-of-a-kind experiences through daytrips to our nation’s capital and welcoming our heroes home.”
Since its inception in 2008, Honor Flight Chicago has sponsored 88 flights and honored 8,027 total veterans (6,260 WWII veterans and 1,767 Korean War veterans). In 2018, HFC sponsored seven flights for 76 WWII veterans and 623 Korean War veterans.
“Honor Flight Chicago is deeply indebted to the Chicago Department of Aviation and Midway International Airport for their support of our mission from the very first flight full of World War II heroes in 2008,” said John Ptak, President, Honor Flight Chicago. “As we enter our second decade that now includes Korean War and Vietnam War Era veterans, we are excited that our partnership remains as strong as ever. The commitment to honor, thank and inspire our senior war heroes from Chicago and surrounding communities is a benchmark for the nation.”
Each HFC trip’s itinerary includes a day of remembrance and reminiscing while visiting the Iwo Jima, Lincoln, Korean and Vietnam memorials. The full schedule of this year’s trips is April 10; May 8; June 5, July 10; August 7; September 18 and October 16. All flights depart from Midway at 6 a.m. and return at 8 p.m., weather permitting.
The morning departure celebrations include musical entertainment by the vocal duo, Sweet Reminder, which performs popular songs of the World War II and Korean War eras and does roll-call for all branches of the Armed Services.
Honor Flight Chicago and Southwest Airlines facilitate the trips, with support from CDA staff at Midway. Hundreds of family, friends and supporters welcome the veterans when they return to Midway the same day. Dozens of active duty military personnel and the Chicago Police Department Pipes and Drums Corps will participate in the arrival festivities.
Source: Chicago Department of Aviation