Time is the enemy for Honor Flight Chicago
Honor Flight Chicago is in a race against time to honor those who served in World War II.
Its volunteers recently called three veterans with news they were chosen for a free trip to the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Instead of the veterans, three newly widowed spouses answered the phone.
"It's awful to hear a wife sobbing and saying her husband wanted that trip more than anything," said Mary Pettinato, Honor Flight Chicago vice president.
Today's fundraiser on the lakefront will help chip away at a growing wait list - the number has surpassed 1,000 veterans - wishing for a plane ticket.
More than 250 veterans and their families are heading to Oak Street Beachstro to watch a practice run of this weekend's 51st Annual Chicago Air and Water Show. The public is invited.
Among those making the journey is Tony Vieceli, a Venice, Italy, native and Mount Prospect resident who enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1944. He'll travel by car, El train and bus ride before volunteers greet him and other veterans with golf carts.
Making the longer journey out east to the national memorial would mean the world to the spry 83-year-old, who still regularly plays Ping-Pong and golf.
"I just love this country," Vieceli said. "Before my toes turn up, I'd like to see the memorial they finally put up for us G.I.s."
Tom Zimniewicz, of Glenview, got his chance on July 15. He's one of the 625 veterans Honor Flight Chicago has taken to the memorial since it was founded last year.
The local organization, part of a nationwide network, has funded nine flights, with five more scheduled this year. By the time the memorial was built in 2004, many of the shrinking number of surviving WWII vets were either financially or physically unable to travel. Terminally ill Korean and Vietnam War vets are also eligible for trips.
Zimniewicz, 87, describes landing at Dulles Airport with fire engines spraying water over the plane. He remembers people clapping, little kids shaking the vets hands and receiving countless letters from school children thanking them for their service.
"It's an experience all veterans should have," said Zimniewicz, who still works as a stockbroker. "It brought tears to everyone's eyes."
Among those helping put on today's event is Naperville Mayor George Pradel. Honor Flight Chicago asked him to provide Naperville veterans with transportation. They'll travel in style. Pradel rented a limo for himself and 12 veterans to get downtown. It seats 16 - necessary extra space since several of the men require oxygen. He'll also sing the national anthem at the event.
Honor Flight Chicago estimates the average age of veterans on its waiting list is 87. Each flight carrying about 80 vets costs about $48,000.
Tickets to today's fundraiser are $50 for general admission, BBQ lunch and a seat. For $150, attendees also have access to an open bar and tent. Andrews' Sisters tribute group Legacy Girls will perform. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds pilots also asked to mingle with the veterans before flying.
For more information, go to honorflightchicago.org.