Monday, November 7, 2011

Huntley Area Residents Welcome Honor Flight Passengers


About 20 Huntley Residents traveled to Midway Airport to meet the Honor Flight when it arrived late in the night last week. Al Jordi of the Huntley area was on that flight. He entered the army in January 1945, just after high school graduation

About 2,000 people greeted the honor flight passengers as they found their way to the baggage claim area of the airport.  From bag pipe bands to every branch of the military, the hallways were filled with cheering, tearful family and friends of those who were able to participate in this flight. 

The veterans were between the ages of 82 to 99 years old.  Many of them were in wheelchairs, but still were able to enjoy handshakes and congratulations from the large crowd.  Grafton Township provided transportation for a few residents, with the expenses being covered by generous donations.

Honor flight is a one day flight to Washington DC for veterans to view the World War II memorial dedicated to the men and women of the Greatest Generation. 

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