Community invited to welcome home 88 veterans at Honor Flight celebration in Marion
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (KBSI) – The Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois is inviting the community to welcome home local veterans later this month.
The Flight #16 Welcome Home Celebration is scheduled for Monday, May 18, beginning at 5 p.m. at the Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois in Marion. The free, family-friendly event will be held outdoors in front of the airline terminal.
Organizers said 88 veterans will return from a daylong trip to Washington, where they toured memorials and monuments. The veterans will be greeted with a welcome home celebration featuring food trucks, live entertainment and a “Freedom Path” lined with supporters.
Food service will begin at 5 p.m. and continue until all veterans have passed through the welcome area. Live entertainment will be provided throughout the evening, with a formal ceremony scheduled for 9:45 p.m.
Family-friendly activities will include a children’s area with inflatables, face painting and sign-making. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and patriotic banners.
Organizers said parking at the airport is limited. Free park-and-ride shuttle service will be available from Sam’s Club and Cornerstone Church in Marion, with buses running about every 20 minutes starting at 5 p.m.
More than 350 volunteers will be on-site to assist attendees.
Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois is a nonprofit organization that provides veterans with free, one-day trips to Washington, D.C., to visit memorials honoring their service.
