Article posted: 6/25/2012 6:00 AM

Lisle WWII veterans visit D.C. memorial on Honor Flights

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The Honor Flight Chicago trip includes a visit to the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., where veterans and visitors see a color guard ceremony.

Courtesy of Frank Nipper

The Legacy Girls perform Andrews Sisters-style to entertain the veterans before the flight leaves from Midway Airport.

Courtesy of Frank Nipper

Edward Hausknecht Jr.

Charles Tuma

Franklyn Nipper

James Carson

Joseph Ryan

Joseph Ryan and his wife, Marie, met in the Marines and both were lieutenants in World War II. She died two years before he took his Honor Flight Chicago trip, but he carried her photo with him to Washington, D.C.

Courtesy of Joseph Ryan

Gallery Image

Volunteers cheer and wave flags for veterans like James Carson as they arrive at airports on both ends of the Honor Flight Chicago trips to Washington, D.C.

Courtesy of James Carson

Edward Hausknecht Jr. says his Honor Flight Chicago trip to Washington, D.C., was one of the best days of his life.

Courtesy of Edward Hausknecht Jr.

About this Article

The Honor Flight Chicago program has always been about thanking veterans for their war time service. It is about transporting heroes to Washington, D.C., to visit and experience firsthand their memorials. With words such as "incredible," "meaningful" and "overwhelming," five Lisle WWII veterans describe to our Joan Broz a trip of a lifetime each will never forget.

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