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Community Corner

VIDEO: Local World War II Veterans Receive Warm Welcome After Honor Flight

The Frankfort Historical Society hosted a Frankfort Night on Wednesday, July 11, at Midway Airport to honor World War II veterans returning from an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

It was tough to find a single dry eye at Midway airport on the evening of Wednesday, July 11.

More than 1,000 people, including the Frankfort Brass Band, were in attendance to give World War II veterans the welcome home that some feel they never received.

"They didn't have a welcome home party," said Honor Flight Chicago volunteer Mike Cozzi. "They didn't have a celebration. They didn't receive a big ovation when they got off the plane. But they're going to get it tonight."

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The hosted Night at Midway Airport with help from Honor Flight Chicago.

Throughout the summer, Honor Flight Chicago takes groups of close to 100 World War II veterans to Washington D.C. free of charge for one day.

Find out what's happening in Frankfortwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Veterans arrived at Midway early Wednesday morning to depart for Washington D.C. While there, they spent their time going to monuments, war memorials and other activities, according to President of the , .

"He was really excited about going," said Karen Levinson of Great Lakes about her father who served in World War II, and went on the trip to Washington D.C. "He said, it's been overwhelming, and he's never had a day like this in his life."

Once the day is over, they flew back home to Chicago. On the flight home the veterans, whose average age is 92, opened up letters from people close to them such as their grandchildren.

After being led off the plane by bagpipes from the Chicago Fire Department, the over veterans' friends and family members waited for them at the baggage claim area with flags and posters to show support.

"I couldn't have asked for anything more," said one World War II veteran.

Starting around 8 p.m., the Frankfort Brass Band started to perform for the nearly 1,000 people in attendance, and continued throughout the parade.

There were also plenty of volunteers to help out with the event from Honor Fight Chicago. "It's amazing to see over-80-year-olds still excited when they come out, and they're still appreciative of everybody's time," said second time volunteer Jim Anderson.

The next Honor Flight Chicago will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 1.

 

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