MONTICELLO, Ill. (WAND) — Veterans at a local nursing home received a powerful tribute Tuesday as community groups partnered to bring a Flightless Honor Flight experience directly to them.
The program offered the sights, sounds and significance of Washington, D.C.’s war memorials without ever leaving Illinois.
The event, held at Maple Point Assisted Living and organized by Faith in Action volunteers, replicated the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight, a program that flies veterans to the nation’s capital to visit memorials built in their honor. The Flightless Honor Flight is designed for veterans who are unable to travel due to age, health, or other limitations.
“This flight is for those veterans that are unable, for whatever reason, to board a plane to actually go to Washington, D.C.,” said volunteer Rebecca Harper. “Many of them are from nursing homes or extended care facilities, and some are younger veterans who struggle with flying.”
Land of Lincoln Honor Flight typically serves veterans from World War II through the post–Vietnam era, providing a one-day trip to visit the WWII, Korean, and Vietnam memorials; the Lincoln Memorial; the Marine Corps Iwo Jima Memorial; and Arlington National Cemetery.
For those unable to make the journey, the event brought the memorials to them.
Harper said the virtual tour mirrors the real thing.
“The video was set up just like if they were actually doing the tour,” Harper explained. “It goes through all the stops they would actually do if they were on a live tour. The bus driver narrates, and it's just like they were there — only they’re watching it here with us.”
About 15 veterans attended the event, including World War II, Korean War and Vietnam-era service members.
For many, the experience was emotional.
“It’s heartwarming … it really is,” Harper said. “It makes you feel so appreciative and thankful for all they did.”
For more information on the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight — including veteran applications, guardian requirements and upcoming flights — visit the organization’s website.
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