Navy veteran Richard Terven salutes during the Flightless Honor Flight Ceremony on Nov. 10, 2023, at the McLean County Nursing Home in Normal.

In this September 2014 file photo, John Cook is shown spotting names of buddies on the Vietnam Wall on his Honor Flight.

Many veterans are considering VA National Cemeteries for their burial. It is a very stressful, confusing time when a veteran passes away. Not only are there details about the visitation, wake, transportation of remains to a cemetery, religious ceremonies and a myriad of other details with which to deal, but there's also the decision of whether interment will be in a private or public cemetery. Location of final burial is a difficult one, with many factors to consider, like cost, location of other family members, etc. National cemeteries are a great option for a veteran and spouse. The VA National Cemetery Association has a pre-need option whereby a veteran who qualifies for burial at an NCA cemetery may be prequalified by NCA for burial at a NCA cemetery. The prequalification application form can be submitted and approved years in advance of the need.

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There is no cost to apply and no penalties if, at passing, the veteran and family decide on burial elsewhere. The VA NCA approval guarantees burial at a NCA cemetery, but while the veteran can identify their preference as to which cemetery, the VA will make the final decision based upon availability of burial plots at the selected cemeteries. Veterans of federal military service whose discharge is not dishonorable are normally eligible, as well as the spouse of the veteran, even if the veteran died in the past. A veteran's spouse may be buried at the same site, and if the spouse passes before the veteran, the spouse will be buried. The veteran would then be buried on top of the spouse in the same site. The veteran’s information on the grave marker is always on the front of the monument, with the spouse’s information on the back of the marker. Visit va.gov/burials-memorials/pre-need-eligibility for more details about national cemetery burials, the application process and VA Form 21-22a.

Land of Lincoln Honor Flight wants you!

World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans who have not experienced the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight have a great opportunity this year to visit Washington, D.C., and its memorials to those who served in the military. There are still some vacant flight seats for the several flights this year. The flights will originate from the Springfield airport after an overnight stay at a Springfield hotel. The flight leaves early the next morning after an early breakfast. The flight is direct to Washington, D.C.

Each veteran will be attended by a “guardian” whom the veteran will meet well in advance of the flight. There are medical people on board and in attendance during the tour of Washington monuments. Kevin Lancaster, the local coordinator for Land of Lincoln Honor Flights, can be reached at 309-530-5927 for more information about applying for a flight. Flights for 2025 are scheduled for May 14, Aug. 27 and Oct. 15.

Flightless Honor Flights available

Unfortunately, many of our older veterans or those with medical or mobility issues may not be able to take the regular Honor Flight. Veterans who are unsure about their desire or ability to go on the regular Honor Flight now have a local alternative, the Flightless Honor Flight. This prompted video presentation is shown at several venues around Bloomington-Normal, especially at assisted living and nursing homes. The program is a video presentation that shows the Honor Flight as it is experienced by those veterans who are actually on the Honor Flight. It also has people who have been on the Honor Flight explain and enhance the video information, like a tour guide during the regular Honor Flight, and park rangers who share facts about the memorials.

Contact Ray Wheeler, Land of Lincoln Honor Flight, veteran coordinator, at 217-473-2540 for times, dates and locations for the upcoming Flightless Honor Flights.

Quote of the Day

Change is hard, and Americans are changing all the time. Our politicians seem bent on holding the same old tired positions they have long held. Few politicians have served multiple terms without using the rules that earlier politicians have created that allow “legal” ability to enhance their personal financial wealth and their political power. It is interesting that it takes nonpoliticians to actually address the problems created by our politicians. Will America be better off before or after the purge of the waste, fraud and abuse of our political elite?

The American Legion Honor Guard hosted a ceremony at the McLean Co. Museum of History Wednesday morning in remembrance of the 911 attacks that took place 23 years ago.

Photos: 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks

Jerry Vogler is superintendent of the McLean County Veterans Assistance Commission.

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