Northwestern Illinois and Southeastern Iowa, formed a local chapter of the Honor Flight Network. The is to fly America's veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials dedicated to honoring their sacrifices. World War II that truly threatened our very existence as a nation and as a culturally diverse, free society. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, an estimated 640 World War II veterans die each day. The time to express our thanks to these brave men and women is running out. honor flights depart on a non-stop charter from the Quad City International Airport to Washington, D.C. and return the same evening at approximately 10:00 p.m. serve doughnuts and coffee to our veterans as they prepare for their trip. Volunteers dress in the uniform of the Salvation Army donut girls, who ministered to troops on the frontlines beginning with World War I. This prompts veterans to share stories of the Salvation Army's overseas services and care. military duty, and to allow another genera- tion to hear of the love these veterans have for The Salvation Army. Honor Flight involves casket flags. If a veteran passes away before the with the permission of the family, taken along on the flight. At the corresponding war memorial in Washington a service is held, the flag is placed with honor near the monument and a photo is taken for the family. Honor Flight for veterans that for flight. "The whole idea though is still to say, look, you are appreciated," said Steve Gar- rington, an Honor Flight coordinator. veteran was escorted by an active duty service member from the U.S. Army's Rock Island Arsenal. They visited several war monuments around the Quad Cities and the National Cemetery. war memorials in their honor. |