Bishop Hill Honor Flight benefit returns – A Salute to our Veterans

Honor Flight returns to Bishop Hill Sunday, June 12, 3-7 p.m. with the community raising funds to send area veterans to Washington, D.C. Fortunate veterans who are chosen will visit memorials dedicated to honoring their sacrifices.

In the last two years the community raised more than $20,000 for the Quad Cities Chapter of the Honor Flight Network. Area veterans will be provided with a free trip to visit their memorial with priority given to survivors of World War II and any veteran with a terminal illness. Honor Flight Quad Cities operates on donations from organizations and  individuals.

The schedule begins at 3 pm with the arrival of the Illinois and Iowa Patriot Guard and Legion Riders from Cambridge and Galesburg, IL; 4 pm-Invocation by Rev. Ann Champion of the Bishop Hill Community United Methodist Church and Presentation of Colors by a variety of groups including the Galva American Legion Post 45 Hagberg-Hamlin, Oneida Legion 727, Cambridge Post 417 and Kewanee Post 31, Geneseo VFW 5083, “Flaming Arrow Patrol” from Boy Scout Troop 383 from the Quad Cities, Geneseo Cub Scout Pack 627, members of the 13th IL Union Civil War group from Princeton and Welcome by Jim Padilla, Henry County Sheriff and Representative Donald L. Moffitt 74th District. Band performances by Galva, Cambridge and AlWood High schools. Guest speakers; 5:30 p.m. include a presentation “Saluting Grandpa” by Quad City News Anchor and author Gary Metevier and slide show by Dick Detmer, Henry County Honor Flight Representative. A raffle will be held with winners announced at 6:30 p.m.. There will be a military retreat at 7 p.m. and Live Auction will begin. In addition there will be a military display by the Galva American Legion. The benefit will feature a Barbecue Pork Chop dinner prepared by the Henry County Pork Producers and the Bishop Hill Community Club. Serving will begin at 3 p.m. and will be held in the village park. Seating is available but be sure to bring lawn chairs. Planned activities also include a live auction. Auction items still are needed! Call Linda Spring at (309) 927-3355. This event is being organized by the Filling Station and Cambridge American Legion Post #417. All proceeds from the day’s events will be donated to Honor Flight of the Quad Cities. If anyone wishes to make a donation, volunteer, or need more information call the above number or (309) 507-0040.