Honor Flight Network celebrates Chicago area veterans with trip to national memorials

The honor flight network is dedicated to celebrating America's senior veterans by taking them for a day at the nation's memorials.

There are 128 hubs across the country, including one in Chicago. That group was established in 2008 and has celebrated over 11,400 veterans.

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At a recent Welcome Home reception at Midway airport, over 100 local heroes were showered at baggage claim with the love many of them never received when they first returned from war.

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The 116 veterans from Chicago and surrounding areas flew back after a day touring national memorials in Washington D.C. The seven Korean War vets and 109 Vietnam Vets represented the Air Force, Army, Marines and Navy.

Special Section: Veterans Voices

They were part of honor flight Chicago's 117th flight since the organization partnered with the Chicago Department of Aviation and Southwest Airlines in 2007. The all-expense paid day trip to the nation's capital is meant to show the veterans how appreciated they are and to recognize them for their bravery, determination and patriotism.

The experience is free to those who served.