Three times a year during the warmer months, an outstanding volunteer group, The Greater Peoria Honor Flight, hosts our military veterans on a one-day trip to Washington, D.C., at no cost to the vet. Today, the group is in our nation’s Capital. The 72 veterans and their guardians return to the General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport around 9:30 p.m. (after a long day that begins around 4 a.m. at the airport) to a heroes welcome, and you can be part of it.
I walked with the veterans on the debut Honor Flight from Peoria in June of 2013. It was one of the best experiences of my career. I did not feel worthy, but tried to do my part by publicizing it before and writing up a trip review afterward.
So, on this trip, there are 12 World War II, 55 Korean War and 5 Vietnam War veterans that will view their war memorials. We know for sure that the Vietnam vets did NOT get a heroes welcome back when they returned to their home towns, so come out to the airport tonight to right that wrong.
The GPHF is run entirely by volunteers. Thanks to generous support from donors and continuous fundraiser events, this group takes 70+ veterans to D.C., with the WWII veterans getting preference due to their advanced age. Come out tonight and wear your Red, White and Blue. Bring signs or make one there – there’s a sign-making station available. Since parking can be tight at the airport, park at nearby CEFCU on Dirksen Parkway. Shuttles will run from that lot beginning at 8 p.m. You’ll make the vets awesome day even more memorable.
Doc Watson
