On March 11, 2020, just prior to our annual Law Enforcement Hockey Classic fundraiser, Honor Flight Chicago went into quarantine with the rest of Illinois in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While we held out hope that two weeks of an aggressive shut down would help curb the virus and we could still fly our senior war heroes to Washington, D.C., it quickly became apparent that our 2020 flight season would need to be postponed.
With more than 2,700 (and counting) veterans on our wait list for a Day of Honor, delaying our entire season proved to be a difficult but necessary decision to make. In the midst of the pandemic we felt the need to reach out to these veterans to let them know that we were still thinking of them, that we remain as always thankful for their service and sacrifice, and that their long overdue Welcome Home still awaited.
Now — six months after our world drastically changed — we are nearing completion of a large-scale project that has sought to individually touch every single veteran on our wait list. Our volunteers have hand-delivered thousands of yard signs and window decals to these veterans with two messages: “Honor Flight Chicago Salutes YOU” and “Honor Flight Chicago Salutes This Veteran.” They represent a personal thank you and a public acknowledgement that a hero lives here.
Though a seemingly small gesture, it has proven to be a massive undertaking with deeply impactful results. Dozens of volunteers have called friends and family of these veterans in an attempt to make this a surprise delivery. Once details are nailed down, hundreds of street-team volunteers across Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana have hand delivered the signs along with our thanks. Thousands of photos now populate an online photo gallery on our website.
Some families have taken the opportunity to have gatherings around the sign deliveries. Other times neighbors have come out into the street to clap and cheer. Veterans have often taken the opportunity to share their stories with our volunteers. The personal interactions have been unique to each veteran and so often incredibly heartwarming.
We have heard from veterans and their family members that this project has meant more than just a small gift and a quick thanks. Below is a sampling of the feedback we have received:
“THANK YOU so much for having the yard sign program. You made my husband very surprised and very emotional. Our family is very proud of him and were happy to be able to share this with him.”
“My husband received an Honor Flight sign last month from Honor Flight Chicago. We wanted to thank you so much for making him feel special.”
“Earlier today a volunteer from Honor Flight Chicago made a surprise visit to my home with a lawn sign for me due to the fact that this year’s flights are cancelled. Your organization made sure that I was not forgotten. Thank you for your kindness.”
“This morning, my wife and I were pleasantly surprised by a visit from a volunteer who presented me with a veteran salute yard poster. You really bend over backwards for us and we are deeply grateful. Thank you.”
These signs in no way replace our veteran’s flight. That day is coming. Our mission will continue as soon as it is safe to fly. Until then, we are so happy that we could personally thank each and every veteran who still awaits their trip to the visit the memorials built in tribute to their service. Now more than ever our seniors need that personal touch. Reach out to the veterans in your life and make sure they know that their service is still appreciated, and that their sacrifices are not forgotten!