Tearful airport goodbye or joyful reunion? Either way, you could win $500 by sharing an O’Hare moment

Was it hugging your college freshman after they arrived home for Thanksgiving? A wrenching goodbye to a spouse bound for a military mission? Your first flight?

O’Hare International Airport has witnessed millions of important times in our lives for 70 years and the city wants to hear about it.

From now through Feb. 2, participants can send photos, videos or stories of their special O’Hare moment to the Chicago Department of Aviation.

One winner will be randomly drawn to receive a $500 gift certificate

The “O’Hare Moments” campaign comes at a pivotal moment for the city as workers build one of two new satellite concourses and planning continues for a Global Terminal that will replace Terminal 2.

“As we strengthen Chicago’s economic power by advancing the airport’s ORDNext expansion, we celebrate the millions of personal journeys, reunions, and milestones that are O’Hare’s legacy — and make these moments possible for generations to come,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a statement.

Submissions can range from milestone occasions to the simple joys of travel, officials said. Chicagoans, suburbanites and CDA current and retired workers are all encouraged to participate.

“Life’s most significant chapters often begin or end at our terminal gates,” CDA Commissioner Michael McMurray said. “As we build new concourses that will serve Chicago and the region well into the future, we want to honor these stories and capture the promise of the moments that connect us.”

City employees will not be eligible for the $500 drawing.

To learn more or make a submission, visit ord21.com/ordmoments/. Participants will be asked to fill out basic information and upload photos or video.