Mission 16 returns home to emotional welcome in Southern Illinois
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
MARION, Ill., (KBSI) — Hundreds gathered Monday night at Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois to welcome home 90 veterans returning from Washington, D.C. as part of Mission 16 of the Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois.
Families, volunteers and community members lined the Freedom Path waving flags, holding handmade signs and cheering as veterans returned home following a day spent visiting memorials and landmarks dedicated to military service and sacrifice.
The day began before sunrise as veterans, guardians, volunteers and family members gathered at the airport for an emotional sendoff. Organizers described the trip as a day filled with reflection, friendship and unforgettable moments for the veterans participating in the Honor Flight.
United Medical Response of Marion provided coffee and breakfast for those attending the early morning departure, while additional support came from local businesses and volunteers helping prepare veterans for the trip.
Throughout the day, veterans visited memorials in Washington honoring those who served in conflicts including Vietnam, Korea and World War II. Organizers said many veterans were able to reflect on moments in history they experienced firsthand and remember fellow service members.
But organizers said the welcome home celebration in Marion is often one of the most emotional parts of the experience.
“While our veterans are in D.C., our community is coming together to celebrate them when they come home,” one organizer said. “So we have 90 veterans on that flight and the first time they’ve been. So this is a new group of veterans. We’re really excited to be able to honor them.”
The Welcome Home Celebration featured live entertainment, food trucks and family activities as community members gathered throughout the evening waiting for the veterans to return.
Organizers said many of the veterans on Monday’s flight served during the Vietnam era and may not have received the kind of public recognition they deserved when they first returned home decades ago.
“Most of the veterans on this flight are from Vietnam, the Vietnam era,” an organizer said. “Unfortunately, they didn’t get that welcome home that they deserved when they came back. And so we hope that we can give them that welcome home that they deserve tonight.”
As veterans arrived back in Southern Illinois, applause and cheers filled the airport as many embraced family members and supporters waiting to thank them personally for their service.
Organizers said the event continues to grow each year as more community members come out to support local veterans and recognize their sacrifices.
“We hear people say, ‘Oh, I went to one of those.’ But remember, every flight is a new group of veterans,” an organizer said. “Please come out every time to support our veterans, honor them and thank them for their service.”
Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois is part of the national Honor Flight Network, which provides veterans with no-cost trips to Washington, D.C. to visit memorials dedicated to their service.
