Kaskaskia College to Host 2025 Enduring Freedom Celebration on November 5th

Centralia, IL - Kaskaskia College will host its annual Enduring Freedom Celebration on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, honoring the service and sacrifice of U.S. military veterans. The event will take place on the college's main campus, beginning with a free breakfast for all veterans and their guests from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. in the Student Center (HB Building), followed by a special program at 9:45 a.m. in the Jane Knight Auditorium.

This year's program will feature a presentation by representatives from the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight (LLHF)a Springfield-based nonprofit dedicated to honoring World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans through complimentary, one-day trips to Washington, D.C. These flights allow veterans to visit the memorials built in their honor and experience a day of reflection, gratitude, and camaraderie.

Since its founding, the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight has completed over 73 missions, serving more than 6,000 veterans from across Central Illinois. Each mission is funded entirely by public donations, ensuring that veterans receive this experience of honor and remembrance at no personal cost.

Featured speakers will include Joan Bortolon, LLHF Executive Board President, and Steve Wheeler, LLHF Veteran Coordinator. Both will share stories of impact, community, and the enduring legacy of the Honor Flight program.

All Honor Flight alumni are encouraged to attend and proudly wear their flight shirts and hats. The event is free and open to the public, and community members are invited to join Kaskaskia College in paying tribute to those who have served our nation.

For more information about the event, please contact Emily Eilers, KC Veterans Coordinator, at eeilers@kaskaskia.edu or 618-545-3075.