50+ Lifestyles

Honor Flight April 2010

Submitted by Bob Morrison
Development Director of Ridgecrest Village & Hub Director of Honor Flight of the Quad Cities.

The WWII Memorial was dedicated to “the Greatest Generation” by President Bush in May of 2004.

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In 2008, Honor Flight of the Quad Cities began at Ridgecrest Village Senior Living in Davenport. In only two years they have successfully completed seven flights to honor our WWII Veterans. Two more are scheduled for Wednesday, May 26 and Monday, June 28. Flights are paid for by generous contributions from local individuals and businesses.

Honor Flight came to the Quad City area when WWII veteran Bill Shore asked Bob Morrison of Ridgecrest Village to find out if this was a “credible organization.” Bob said, “This is one of the most rewarding efforts you can imagine. America lost over 400,000 soldiers during this vital effort to save our world from dictatorship. These seniors are not looking for rewards or attention. They did their duty to our country from patriotism. They paid their price 60 years ago; it is time we show our appreciation!”

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Because these heroes are 81 years old or older, the urgency to get them to Washington DC is high. Bob continued, “Time is not our friend. We have plans to send seven or eight flights in 2010 if the funding is received. The support from our community is overwhelming and is much appreciated.”

The picture above shows nearly 100 Quad City area World War II veterans at the WWII Memorial in Washington DC from the Honor Flight on Friday, April 23, 2010. The close up picture at right is of our veterans at the Iwo Jima Memorial the same day.

Applications are accepted on a first come basis; see www.HonorFlightQC.org. Contact Bob for donations at Ridgecrest Village, 4130 Northwest Blvd in Davenport or call 563-388-3271.