Honor Flights Return for 2025
- Sangamon County News
- Apr 10
- 2 min read
On April 15, 2025, the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight (LLHF) will transport 93 veterans on Mission #73 to Washington, D.C., for a day of remembrance and honor. This flight will include 11 Korean Era veterans and 82 Vietnam Era veterans from 41 communities across Illinois.
The veterans and their guardians will depart from Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport at 4:00 a.m. aboard a chartered Sun Country 737. Their itinerary includes visits to the World War II Memorial, Korean War Memorial, and Vietnam War Memorial, as well as Arlington National Cemetery’s Tomb of the Unknowns, the Lincoln Memorial, the National Air & Space Museum in Chantilly, Virginia, the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial, and the U.S. Air Force Memorial.
The veterans will return to Springfield at 9:30 p.m., where the public is encouraged to gather at the airport to give them a hero’s welcome. LLHF President Joan Bortolon emphasized the significance of this moment, stating, “The welcome home at the airport is the experience our veterans earned and deserve – but never received. For many of these heroes, this is the first time they will experience a sincere and heartfelt welcome home.”
Attendees are advised to arrive early to greet the veterans. Parking is free, and volunteers will be available to assist guests in finding open spaces. A shuttle bus will transport attendees directly to the terminal.
LLHF is also encouraging eligible veterans to apply for upcoming flights. “We are excited to kick off the 2025 flying season. We encourage any World War II, Korean Era, or Vietnam Era veteran to apply now. This is your time to be honored,” Bortolon said. Priority is given to seriously impaired or terminally ill veterans. Applications for veterans and guardians are available at www.LandofLincolnHonorFlight.org.
For veterans unable to travel, LLHF offers a "Flightless Honor Flight" program. The organization has scheduled four flights for 2025: April 15, June 3, September 9, and October 21.
Land of Lincoln Honor Flight is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that operates solely on donations. Since its inception, LLHF has served over 5,700 veterans on 70 flights. The organization is run entirely by volunteers, with minimal administrative costs, ensuring nearly every dollar raised supports flight expenses.