Fairmount Students Make Honor Flight Mail Call Memorable for WWII Veteran

When 94-year-old former Marine Stanley Horonzy’s day visiting the WWII Memorial with other veterans was over, he had a wonderful surprise waiting, thanks to students at Fairmount School.

On May 11, Horonzy flew to Washington, D.C. thanks to Honor Flight Chicago, an organization that honors veterans with all-expenses-paid trips. During his time in Washington, D.C., he got a chance to see the Memorial built in the veterans’ honor, visit several national monuments, meet fellow service members who shared the same experiences, and be thanked for the service and sacrifice made more than seven decades ago.

According to a letter sent to Horonzy’s family by Honor Flight: “Throughout the day, these men and women are overwhelmed by people who want to shake their hand, salute them and just say thanks. Although the veterans relish this recognition, they are even more proud when they are recognized by their own family and friends.”

On the return flight home, the veterans got a special surprise: mail call, during which Horonzy was presented with hundreds of letters and cards written by students at Fairmount School, where his granddaughter Paige is in first grade. These letters thanked him for serving the U.S. as a Marine in WWII, specifically on the front lines of Iwo Jima.

“This is such a highlight to each veteran as they return home from a wonderful day of remembrance,” the Honor Flight letter said.