Jonathan Lucroy Honors World War II and Korean War Veterans’ by Taking the Southeastern Wisconsin Stars and Stripes Honor Flight
Milwaukee, WI (PRWEB) October 29, 2014 -- Milwaukee baseball player, Jonathan Lucroy, will be taking the Southeastern Wisconsin Stars and Stripes Honor Flight on November 1st, 2014 to help tell the stories of our veterans, stories that are usually left untold. Lucroy, a long time veterans advocate, believes that through the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight he will learn more about Wisconsin soldiers by sharing this life changing experience with them.
Lucroy stated, “I am looking forward to being a part of the Honor Flight heading to our nation's Capital this weekend. The wonderful folks at Honor Flight of Wisconsin have graciously asked me to be a part of this flight and it truly is my privilege to honor these brave men and women of our armed forces that protected our freedoms and truly embody what it is to sacrifice for this great country. It will be one of the best days of my life.”
The veterans taking this flight will see the memorials erected in their honor while being celebrated by their friends and families. As our greatest generation starts to slip away, the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight and Jonathan Lucroy hope to preserve their stories and their impact on our nation’s continued freedom. Without our veterans and currently enlisted soldiers, America could not be the home of the free.
"We're excited to continue our mission, flying so many WWII veterans on our last flight this fall, along with Korean War heroes," said Paula Nelson, President of Stars and Stripes Honor Flight. "We will continue to give priority to our WWII veterans, but are so pleased to welcome more Korean War veterans than ever before. Thanks to all the fabulous support we have received from the community and our loyal sponsors we are able to raise the funds to keep flying veterans beyond our original mission of WWII veterans."
The Stars and Stripes Honor Flight’s mission is to help send America’s veterans to Washington DC and create a one of a kind experience for all involved. While in our nation’s capitol, veterans tour the reflecting pool, WWII Memorial, Iwo Jima Memorial, Air Force Memorial, the Capitol, White House and Arlington National Cemetery to see the Changing of the Guard. On the way home from DC, the Honor Flight attendees are treated to a recreated mail call which includes letters from family, friends and veterans advocates. During this time, soldiers who never received any outward thanks are given the opportunity to bask in the glory of their unmistakable heroism.
Post World War II, many veterans were unable to verbalize the victories and tragedies they faced while on the battlefield. The Stars and Stripes Honor Flight has the innate power to help foster dialogue among veterans - stories that might have previously been lost. While on the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight, Jonathan Lucroy will be able to hear these veterans’ stories and share these stories with future generations.
On and off the field, Jonathan Lucroy has worked tirelessly to make sure that veteran’s stories are told and hold weight in our cultural narratives. As a way to honor the veterans in his life, Lucroy will be taking the Honor Flight with his college roommate Sergeant John Coker Jr., who was injured in the line of duty while serving in Afghanistan. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Director of Marketing and Agency Development, Thomas Baylerian said “The heart of our nation has been built on freedom that our vets have fought for. This is an opportunity for us to identify the value our freedom has. I am thrilled to work with Jonathan Lucroy who shares this same sentiment.”
Following the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel will be producing a half hour documentary that will premier on JSOnline.com. This webisode will feature the power of storytelling as Lucroy hears from southeastern Wisconsin veterans about their previously untold memories of the war. By sharing said stories, veterans are able to leave behind an unbreakable link to younger generations thereby imparting in them the unsurpassable gift that our military gives us daily, namely the gift of freedom.
Outside of the Honor Flight, Lucroy will also be honoring veterans through ‘Jonathan Lucroy’s Five Words on Freedom’. The program, launching after Veteran’s Day, will give both children and veterans the opportunity to share what freedom means to them. Every week, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel will feature both groups’ words in the paper and online. Immediately after every Stars and Stripes Honor Flight in 2014 and 2015, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel will publish a two page spread with a photo of all of the veterans who have taken part in the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight. The team of Jonathan Lucroy and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has the power help veterans remember that our country would not be standing without them - a powerful reminder for all involved. Jonathan Lucroy’s Five Words on Freedom is made possible by Pick ’n Save and Steinhafels.
Thomas Baylerian, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, +1 414-223-5404, [email protected]
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