Students and Staff at SS. Cyril and Methodius Learn about Honor Flight Chicago

On Wednesday, February 3, students and staff at SS. Cyril and Methodius School in Lemont experienced first-hand why American veterans are one of our nation’s greatest treasures. The school welcomed Mary Pettinato, CEO and Co-Founder of Honor Flight Chicago, along with World War II veteran, Irv Abramson and his wife, Doris.

Honor Flight Chicago pays tribute to veterans, especially World War II and Korean War veterans, by bringing them to Washington, D.C. for a day of honor and remembrance at no cost to them. To date, the non-profit organization has flown more than 5,900 veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit the National World War II Memorial, built to honor our nation’s veterans.

Pettinato shared with students and staff video footage of veterans going to the airport, on the plane, in Washington, D.C. and being welcomed home at Chicago’s Midway Airport. She conveyed stories of the veterans and how moving the overall experience is for them and their loved ones.

“The presentation was a powerful message for our school community,” said Shirley Tkachuk, principal of SS. Cyril and Methodius School. “It was a wonderful way to educate our students and inspire a whole new generation.”

Pettinato introduced Irv Abramson and his wife of 68 years, Doris, from Skokie, Ill. to the audience of students ages preschool through 8th grade. Abramson was a rifleman with the United States Army’s 100th Infantry Division. He received a Purple Heart for the injuries he sustained at the Battle of the Bulge. In 2009, Abramson flew to Washington D.C. with Honor Flight Chicago. He described his experience as unbelievably emotional and life-changing.

The Honor Flight presentation was part of SS. Cyril’s and Methodius School’s celebration of Catholic School’s Week, with Wednesday dedicated to “Celebrating our Nation.” Students had the opportunity to be out of uniform for the day and in turn wear red, white and blue. As part of the presentation, the school’s active Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts proudly wore their scout uniforms and were able to give patronage to Abramson.

“Today I learned how important it is to say thank you for your service to our veterans,” said 3rd grader, Violet Marusarz. “I hope many more veterans are able to be a part of the Honor Flight, they deserve it.”