Clinton residents Gerald Komnick, Virgil Varvel and Maroa resident David Miller will be 85 Illinois veterans attending today's Land of Lincoln Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. 

Veterans will make stops across the nation's capital, those visits will be highlighted by the World War II, Korean and Vietnam War memorials, as well as Arlington National Cemetery for the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Other stops include the Lincoln Memorial, the National Air & Space Museum (Chantilly, Virginia), the US Air Force Memorial, the US Navy Plaza, and the US Marine Corps Memorial (Iwo Jima).

The return to Springfield’s airport is planned tonight at 9:30 PM and the general public, along with friends and family, is encouraged to “pack the port” to Welcome Home these local heroes. Come early. All are encouraged to wear red-white-blue patriotic colors, bring balloons, posters, etc. to show appreciation and support to these Veterans who served and sacrificed so much for our country.

They will then receive a police escort from Springfield Illinois to Clinton, with the Illinois State Police, Sangamon County Sheriffs Department, Logan County Sheriff Department, Dewitt County Sheriffs Department, Clinton Police Department, Kenney, Wapella, Clinton Fire Department and the Clinton Ambulance Service participating in the escort. 

The Clinton Am Vets and American Legion will be also placing approximately 500 flags along the parade route from the Clinton High School to the Dollar Tree in Clinton, and the Amvets and American Legion will also be hosting a Welcome Home Ceremony for These veterans at approximately 11 pm September 24, 2019, at the Dollar Tree parking lot in Clinton.

This day of honor is provided at absolutely no cost to local Veterans. 

For more information on how to sign a Veteran up for the Honor Flight, contact Jeff Morlock at 217-853-2530.