Local groups Rally to Support upper Peninsula Honor Flight

ISHPEMING, MI – Two Marquette County organizations have demonstrated their unwavering support for the U.P. Honor Flight with a combined donation of $1,520.American Legion Post 114 and the Cleveland-Cliffs Steelworkers Retirees presented the check to U.P.Honor Flight President Scott Knauf at a ceremony held Tuesday at the legion hall in Ishpeming.

the U.P. Honor Flight provides a deeply moving experience for veterans, transporting them to Washington D.C. to visit the memorials dedicated to their service. Knauf expressed gratitude for the consistent backing the organization receives from the Upper peninsula community. “It’s amazing how the Upper Peninsula does support us,” he stated. “We are very fortunate in that we don’t have to do any fundraising ourselves.”

American Legion Post 114 Commander Tim Walters emphasized the importance of honoring those who served. “Allowing them to go and see the memorials in D.C., I can’t think of a better way to honor their service and their sacrifice,” Walters said.

The next U.P. Honor Flight is scheduled for September 17th. While the upcoming flights are currently full, veterans interested in participating are encouraged to submit applications through the U.P. Honor Flight website, which will be added to a waitlist for the September 2025 flight.

Understanding the U.P. Honor Flight & Veteran Support

The U.P. Honor Flight is part of a national network of Honor Flight organizations dedicated to providing veterans with a memorable and cost-free trip to the nation’s capital. Thes flights prioritize veterans of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, giving them the chance to reflect on their service and connect with their fellow veterans.

The success of programs like the U.P. Honor Flight relies heavily on community support and volunteerism. Donations help cover the costs of transportation, lodging, and meals for the veterans, ensuring they can experience this tribute without financial burden.

How to Get Involved:

Donate: Financial contributions, no matter the size, directly impact the ability to send more veterans on this impactful journey. Visit https://www.uphonorflight.org/ to learn how to donate.
Volunteer: Honor Flight organizations rely on volunteers to assist with everything from escorting veterans to providing logistical support.
* Spread Awareness: Share data about the U.P.Honor Flight and other veteran support organizations with your network.

What specific fundraising activities do Local american Legion Posts in Marquette County utilize to support the UP Honor Flight?

Marquette County Groups Support UP honor Flight mission

Local Organizations Rally for Veteran Travel

Marquette County, Michigan, has a long and proud tradition of supporting its veterans. This commitment is vividly demonstrated through the robust support for the UP Honor Flight, a non-profit association dedicated to providing veterans with a free trip to Washington, D.C., to visit memorials dedicated to their service. Several local groups and individuals consistently contribute to making these journeys a reality for upper Peninsula (UP) veterans. The impact of these Honor Flights extends far beyond a simple trip; it’s about recognizing sacrifice, fostering camaraderie, and providing a well-deserved tribute.

Key Marquette County Supporters

Numerous organizations within Marquette County actively fundraise and volunteer for the UP Honor Flight. Hear’s a look at some of the key players:

Local American Legion Posts: Posts throughout Marquette County regularly host fundraising events, from pancake breakfasts to raffles, specifically earmarked for the UP Honor Flight. They also assist with veteran recruitment and escort duties during the flights.

VFW Posts: Similar to the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) posts are heavily involved in fundraising and providing logistical support.

Marquette County community Foundation: The Foundation often provides grant funding to the UP Honor flight, bolstering their ability to cover travel expenses. They also facilitate donor-advised funds dedicated to veteran support.

local Businesses: Many Marquette County businesses contribute through sponsorships, in-kind donations (like meals for fundraising events), and employee volunteer programs.

Schools & Civic Groups: Schools frequently organize fundraising drives, and civic groups like Rotary Clubs and Lions Clubs actively participate in fundraising and volunteer efforts.

The UP Honor Flight Hub: Located in marquette, this serves as the central coordination point for all flights originating from the Upper Peninsula.

Fundraising Initiatives & Events

Marquette County’s support for the UP Honor Flight manifests in a variety of creative and impactful fundraising initiatives.

1. Annual Benefit Concerts: Local musicians frequently enough donate their time and talent to host benefit concerts, with all proceeds going to the UP Honor Flight.
2. “Miles for Honor” Events: Running, walking, or biking events where participants collect pledges based on the distance they cover. These are popular community-building activities.
3. Silent Auctions & Raffles: Regularly held at local events and businesses, these offer opportunities to win prizes while supporting a worthy cause.
4. Direct Donations: Individuals and organizations can make direct financial contributions to the UP Honor Flight through their website (https://uphonorflight.org/).
5. Community Dinners: Local restaurants partner with the UP Honor Flight to host special dinner nights, donating a portion of the proceeds.

The Impact on Veterans: Stories from the Field

The UP Honor Flight isn’t just about raising money; it’s about the profound impact these trips have on the veterans themselves. Many veterans express that it’s the first time they’ve truly been thanked for their service.

Emotional Healing: Visiting the memorials allows veterans to connect with their experiences and find a sense of closure.

Camaraderie: The flights foster a strong bond between veterans, creating a supportive community.

Recognition & Gratitude: The outpouring of support from the public during the flight – from airport send-offs to welcoming ceremonies – is deeply moving for the veterans.

preserving History: The Honor Flight helps to ensure that the sacrifices of our veterans are never forgotten.

How to Get Involved: Supporting the UP Honor Flight

There are numerous ways for Marquette County residents to contribute to the UP Honor Flight mission:

Donate: Financial contributions are always needed to cover the costs of travel, lodging, and meals.

Volunteer: Assist with fundraising events, airport operations, or escorting veterans during the flight.

Spread the Word: Share information about the UP Honor Flight with your friends,family,and colleagues.

Nominate a Veteran: Help identify deserving veterans who would benefit from an Honor Flight experience. Nomination forms are available on the UP Honor Flight website.

Organize a Fundraiser: Host your own event to raise money for the UP Honor Flight.

The need for continued support of the UP Honor Flight remains strong. As the veteran population ages, ensuring these heroes have the chance to visit their memorials becomes increasingly critically important. Marquette County’s ongoing commitment to the UP Honor Flight demonstrates a deep respect for those who have served and a dedication to honoring their sacrifices. The veteran community in the UP relies on this support, and local groups are determined to continue providing it for years to come. The *Marquette County