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Darien
Lions Club |
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On Tuesday September 14th, Lion Gene Kolling, a
U.S. Marine Veteran, toured
the Memorials of Washington D.C.
with Honor Flight
Chicago. The following narrative was made possible by Shari Gillespie, daughter of Lion Pat Gillespie and a volunteer with Honor Flight Chicago, an organization honoring area veterans who provided this trip and accompanied Lion Gene. 
It's an Early Start We arrive at the airport at 3:30 am to set up and get ready to register our Honor Flight Veterans as they arrive. The USO is there to help start the day and provided coffee, donuts, and breakfast sandwiches. There are flags galore. A live rendition of 'The Andrews Sisters' perform old time tunes as they dance with some veterans, including Lion Gene. Their Day in Washington D.C. Upon arrival at the D.C. airport, the Honor Flight Veterans are greeted by a welcoming crowd and are provided with a water cannon salute. They visit the WWII Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam & Korean Memorial, and/or the Iwo Jima Memorial as time allows. It's a time of remembrance, or reflection, and to honor their fallen brothers who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. A chance to meet other veterans, and to share their stories. Welcome Home On the return plane trip they are provided with a 'Mail Call' where the veterans receive letters written by friends & family. Back at Midway airport awaiting their arrival, the home crowd has gathered and is treated to music from the Frankfort Brass Band playing old-time and wartime tunes. The sounds of the bagpipers begin to play which signals that our Veterans have arrived for their welcoming. At the gate they are met by members of the Color Guard from all branches of the Military, the jet bridge is lined with Patriot Riders holding large flags. I think everyone of them shook Lion Gene's hand. After all veterans have departed the plane they are followed by the Navy, the Patriot Riders and the bagpipers. The final part of the journey is complete as they are greeted by thousands of friends and family. In Lion Gene's case it was the Darien Lions Club in the first spot, and his family. He was so overwhelmed by the Club, the friends, neighbors, and the signs made by the local school kids.  
 Click here to view Lion Jim Tikalsky's Photos of this event or Click here to view Lion Jim Sims' Photos of this event and more (updated 10/4/10). Acknowledgement This celebration is an awesome and heartfelt event for these and so many other well deserving Veterans. Click on the following link to learn more about Honor Flight Chicago. http://www.honorflightchicago.org/ Special thanks to Shari Gillespie, Anita Simester, and all Honor Flight Chicago volunteers! |