PEORIA, Ill. – Veterans from across central Illinois will take flight on Tuesday morning to see memorials for their fallen brothers in arms.
The 36th edition of the Greater Peoria Honor Flight departs from Peoria International Airport with more than 70 veterans from various conflicts. They will spend the day in the nation’s capital visiting the World War II Memorial, memorials for the Vietnam and Korean Wars, and Arlington National Ceremony.
President Luke Rosenbaum says the plans are full speed ahead, even with the federal government shut down in place.
“Me and my veteran buddies, we’ve been joking ‘Typical, right?’” Rosenbaum said. “We’ll let politics try to get in the way of something else, but they’re not going to get in the way of the mission of taking care of our veterans.”
Rosenbaum says a planned visit to the Navy Memorial was not possible, due to a private event.
Nearly 2,500 veterans have taken part in the flights in its history. Rosenbaum says his favorite moments from the flight are the interactions between the veterans and his children.
“My kids are 12,10, and 4, and to watch these 70, 80 year olds come and get their hands shaken by this younger generation, and get to ask stories and talk with them, that’s how we remember our history and respect those that came before us,” Rosenbaum said.
Rosenbaum is encouraging people to welcome the veterans home in the PIA ticket lobby when the flight returns Tuesday night at around 9:30 P.M.
The next flight is scheduled for November 4th. Rosenbaum says that flight was made possible with a $70,000 donation from Hy-Vee, who is sponsoring the flight.
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