Ninety Southern Illinois veterans travel to Washington on Honor Flight

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

MARION, Ill., (KBSI) — Ninety local veterans departed for Washington on Monday as Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois launched Mission 17.

The trip follows months of planning, fundraising and preparation. Guardians and volunteers are accompanying the veterans throughout the journey.

The public is invited to welcome the veteran’s home during a ceremony Monday night. Their return is expected around 9:30 p.m., giving Southern Illinois residents an opportunity to thank them for their service.