Operation Locate a Hero

You can help locate and honor World War II veterans by connecting them with Honor Flight Chicago. This is the non-profit organization that provides all-expense-paid trips for America’s most senior heroes to visit the Washington D.C. memorial built in their honor.

There are an estimated 17,000 World War II veterans living in the Chicago area who have not yet received their well-earned “day of honor” in Washington, D.C.

Anyone who knows a World War II veteran living in the Chicago area, or one who is able to travel to Chicago, is encouraged to visit honorflightchicago.org or call 773-227 VETS (8387) for and application and additional information.

“As the anniversary of D-Day approaches (June 6), we are all reminded of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in support of our freedom,” said Mary Pettinato, co-founder and CEO of Honor Flight Chicago. “Our veterans live with those memories every day. Visiting their memorial with others who shared their experience is an opportunity for these senior heroes to pay tribute to fallen brothers and sisters, and for us to show the greatest generation we will never forget their service.”

To date, Honor Flight Chicago has flown more than 5,500 World War II veterans to Washington, D.C., for a day of recognition and remembrance. Remaining 2015 honor flights are scheduled for June 3, June 30, July 29, September 2 and September 30.