Honor Flight

* It is believed in good faith that the following content can be found in the Fall 2010 edition of the Tartan Tidings and is for general reference and/or research purposes only.  For further information regarding the information listed here, please contact The Village of Midlothian in Midlothian, Illinois. *

The Bill Burtner/Midlothian Memorial Honor Flight began very early on the morning of June 23rd as a group of WWII veterans and their guardians left the Midlothian VFW, escorted by Midlothian E.S.D.A., enroute to Midway Airport where they boarded a flight to Washington D.C.  These WW II heroes were greeted by a water canyon from two fire trucks as the plane taxied to the gate at Dulles Airport.

Once inside, the veterans were greeted by firemen, military personnel, and hundreds of individuals cheering and applauding to thank them for their service to our country.  They boarded motor coaches that transported the veterans, guardians, nurses, and volunteers from Honor Flight Chicago throughout Washington, D.C.

The first stop on the tour was the WWII Memorial, followed by a tour of the Capitol and then a stop at the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, and Korean War Memorial.

Following this whirlwind tour, the veterans were taken back to the airport by way of the Iwo Jima Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.  Due to severe storms in Chicago that evening, their return flight was delayed by 3hours, so they arrived back at Midway Airport at about 11 PM and were greeted by fire trucks lining the tarmac, Midlothian and Chicago firefighters, military personnel, bagpipers, bands, family members, friends, neighbors, and just people who wanted to show their appreciation to these heroes.

Another motor coach brought them back to Midlothian, escorted by our Police and Fire Departments, Patriot Guard Riders.  Along the route home, neighboring towns were out with their emergency vehicles and personnel, saluting our veterans.  At 149th and Pulaski, the Posen and Crestwood Fire Department ladder trucks were parked with an enormous American flag hanging from the extended ladders.  As the veterans and accompanying guardians wearily exited the coach, the cheers rang out from a crowd of well-wishers.  It was a long, incredible day, but one that will never be forgotten by these members of the Greatest Generation.