This morning, more than 100 World War II veterans received a special send-off celebration at Midway International Airport prior to their departure on a day trip to the National WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C.

 

While in the nation's capital, the veterans will experience a day of remembrance and reminiscing for some who have waited more than 60 years to see the memorial. In addition to the WWII Memorial, the veterans will also visit the Iwo Jima, Lincoln, Korean and Vietnam Memorials.

 

More than 1,500 family members, friends and supporters are expected to welcome the veterans when they return to Midway tonight. In addition, dozens of active duty military personnel, the USO of Illinois and Chicago Police and Fire Department Pipes and Drums Corps will participate in the festivities.

 

The National WWII Memorial commemorates the 16 million who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, the more than 400,000 who died, and the millions who supported the war effort at home.

 

Honor Flight Chicago, in partnership with Southwest Airlines and the United Services Organization (USO) of Illinois, facilitated today's all-expense-paid trip for the Chicago-area veterans.

 

This is Honor Flight Chicago's eighth trip of the 2011 season. The final two flights will take place on October 12 and November 2, 2011.

 

Honor Flight Chicago's mission is to provide WWII veterans from the Chicagoland area with a visit to the National World War II Memorial and to show appreciation for their patriotism and service. For more information on Honor Flight Chicago please visit www.honorflightchicago.org