Honor Flight photo exhibit is coming to Luther Manor

A traveling art show that pays homage to World War II veterans in a unique way will soon be coming to a Wauwatosa senior living community.

Starting Aug. 15, Luther Manor will be hosting a photo exhibit that tells the story of Stars and Stripes Honor Flight, the organization that since 2008 has taken thousands of World War II veterans on a day trip to Washington, D.C. to see the war memorial erected in their honor.

The exhibit is a chronology of an Honor Flight trip, using 120 images taken by the official Honor Flight photographer, Visual Image Photography.

“We are so delighted to be hosting this exhibit,” said Kate Bertram, Luther Manor Director of Community and Client Relations. “It’s an honor to be able to share the veterans’ experience on the Honor Flight with our residents and the entire community; especially since many of our staff, volunteers, and residents have participated in the program.

Luther Manor Terrace resident Harvin Abrahamson participated in the inaugural Honor Flight. Abrahamson served from 1943-1945, flying as a radio operator and gunner with the 487th bomb group, 8th Air Force, out of Lavenham, England.

“Since it was the first (Honor Flight) we really didn’t know what to expect,” Abrahamson said.

The trip proved to be more than he could have imagined – from the tour of the memorials to the hero’s welcome he received at the airport when he returned home.

“I’ve never been so overwhelmed,” he said.

The exhibit, which will be housed in the Luther Manor Welcome Center located at 4545 N. 92nd St., will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, Wednesday, Aug. 15 to Thursday, Aug. 23.

An extended showing and open house will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 21. At this time, Luther Manor residents, family members, staff members, and volunteers who have been a part of Honor Flights will share their experiences. No RSVP is required.

“We have served these World War II veterans for many years and this amazing tribute is perfect for this incredible group of Americans,” Bertram said. “The display gives you goose bumps.”

An accredited senior living community, Luther Manor has been caring and advocating for seniors for more than 50 years. In addition to apartment homes, assisted living and long-term care options, Luther Manor offers rehabilitation, adult day and supportive services, hospice care and community outreach programs. For more information about River Oaks, call (262) 242-6660 or visit www.luthermanor.org.

PHOTO: Luther Manor Terrace resident Harvin Abrahamson is one of the World War II Veterans who has participated in the first Stars and Stripes Honor Flight. This photo is from when he joined the service at 21 years old.