advertisement

Public thanks Arlington Heights vets

World War II veterans saved the free world more than 65 years ago, but to some degree have been receiving their full thank-yous only recently.

On the eve of Veterans Day 2010, veterans at the Arlington Heights Senior Center on Wednesday shared experiences of their Honor Flights to the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. and talked of plans to immortalize the contributions of their brothers-in-arms at the village's Memorial Park.

Ed Landow, chaplain of the American Legion's 9th District and a member of Arlington Heights' Post 208, poured his heart out over memories of his April 2009 trip to Washington with Honor Flight Chicago.

The local organization was formed in 2008 as one of 99 affiliates of a national group that takes World War II veterans on free trips to the new memorial in the nation's capital.

In the course of a single, long day, veterans fly to Washington for a meaningful reflection at the memorial before an even more emotional homecoming in the evening.

On the return flight, veterans get a “mail call” of gracious letters from family, friends and strangers for their heroic contributions and sacrifice during the war.

Then, the returning plane is greeted by a fleet of police cars and fire trucks with their lights flashing and a throng of well-wishers beside them.

“I will never forget it,” Landow said. “I can remember almost every doggone thing that happened. When we deplaned here in Chicago, there wasn't a single veteran that wasn't crying.”

For Ken Chelmowski of Mount Prospect, his Honor Flight made up for the relatively quiet homecoming he received in January 1946 when the celebrations of the war's end were long over.

“I still get choked up when I think of that day,” he said. “It was such a heart-tugging thing. It was the most wonderful day of my life.”

Those who have been on the flights say guardians who personally look after each individual veteran all have medical training and are ready to cater to every need. Though the day is long 3 a.m. to 10 p.m. the experience is completely an adrenaline-fueled celebration, they said.

Information on participating can be found at honorflightchicago.org.

Meanwhile, local efforts continue toward reviving the Arlington Heights Park District's Memorial Park with a Central Plaza commemorating veterans.

There are 2,200 spaces available for personalized bricks telling the stories of individual veterans. About 100 are being added every year, committee Chairman Greg Padovani said.

The central element a bronze “Eternal Flame” sculpture by Arlington Heights artist Fran Volz will soon be added.

Major donors are still being sought to help bring the vision to completion at the 127-year-old park originally created to honor Civil War veterans, Padovani said.

For more information on the effort, click the “Drive to Revive Memorial Park” logo at ahpd.org or call Padovani at (847) 932-9113.

  Geoff Smith, left, and Lee Bendel carry in the colors of the U.S. Navy during the Service Flag Ceremony presented by American Legion Post 208 Color Guard of Arlington Heights at the Arlington Heights Senior Center. Bob Chwedyk/bchwedyk@dailyherald.com
  A Service Flag Ceremony representing all branches of the military, presented by the American Legion Post 208 Color Guard of Arlington Heights, at the Arlington Heights Senior Center. Bob Chwedyk/bchwedyk@dailyherald.com
  Narrator Ed Landow gets a hug from Arlington Heights Senior Center program coordinator Karie Van Grinsven after the Service Flag Ceremony presented by the American Legion Post 208 Color Guard of Arlington Heights. Bob Chwedyk/bchwedyk@dailyherald.com
  Chuck Leistico of Arlington Heights, a Navy veteran, bows his head during Taps at the Service Flag Ceremony presented by American Legion Post 208 Color Guard of Arlington Heights at the Arlington Heights Senior Center. Bob Chwedyk/bchwedyk@dailyherald.com