Southern Illinois community invited to welcome Mission 17 veterans home

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

MARION, Ill., (KBSI) — Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois is inviting the public to welcome home the 90 veterans traveling with Mission 17.

The flight is scheduled to depart Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport at noon Eastern time Tuesday and arrive at Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois in Marion around 12:50 p.m. Central time.

Organizers are encouraging community members to bring flags and signs to the airport to welcome the veterans.

The group’s return was delayed after the pilot assigned to Monday night’s flight experienced a family emergency. Veterans, guardians and team members stayed overnight in the Washington area.

Welcome-home coordinators and volunteers are preparing the airport for Tuesday’s arrival.

Flight times remain subject to change. Updates will be posted on the official Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois Facebook page.