CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Some Chicago area veterans are getting a virtual "honor" Wednesday.
Since trips to Washington for Honor Flight Chicago were canceled for the rest of the year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, on Wednesday veterans will participate in the first-ever Virtual Day of Honor.
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"As we shared earlier this summer, the 2020 flight season has been postponed due to the current pandemic, but our mission to Honor, Thank and Inspire our senior war heroes will continue. We will fly again when the time is right," Honor Flight Chicago said in a statement. "For the remainder of the 2020 season, our focus shifts to making certain that our veterans – particularly those who were scheduled to fly this year – feel the appreciation, respect and love that they earned through their service to our country during a time of war."Veterans and others are invited to join a virtual journey to Washington and back through the Honor Flight Chicago website.
"To all the men and women who were supposed to fly in 2020, for those who more recently signed up, and for all of those who have flown in the past with us, this day is for you. Thank you for your service. And Welcome Home!" Honor Flight Chicago said.
Honor Flight Chicago has flown nearly 9,000 veterans of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam to see war monuments in Washington, DC in recent years.