Tomorrow marks our nation’s 241st birthday. Fireworks. Barbecues. Parades.

On this Fourth of July, I ask you to consider doing these four things:

  1. Find your own way to say “Happy Birthday USA,” be it with a flag, a t-shirt or sidewalk chalk for your kids to use.
  2. Celebrate our nation’s diversity and the beauty of having so many nationalities and religions united under a common flag.
  3. Enjoy the freedoms we have today on our country’s birthday
  4. Thank a veteran … for those freedoms.

One of the best ways to thank a veteran is by donating to Honor Flight Chicago. After all, “thank you” is at the heart of our organization. We exist to help show gratitude to our nation’s senior war heroes by flying them on an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. for their well-deserved day of honor.

Ninety-two percent of all donations go directly to sending our veterans to D.C., and to date, we’ve given more than 7,000 veterans a day they’ll never forget. The trip is only one day, but for many, the experience is life changing.

So, as you celebrate the 4th this year, please consider thanking a veteran today.

DONATE NOW

Author:

Mary PettinatoCEO, Co-Founder and Janitor
Mary Pettinato is the proud daughter of a WWII veteran. Recognized as one of Chicago Tribune’s 2015 Remarkable Women, Mary’s volunteer efforts have ranged from serving those who have sacrificed much to defend our country, to lending her insights and energy to a number of volunteer boards in the Chicago community. Mary was recently appointed to the board of the national Honor Flight Network.