ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Honor Flight of Central Florida will send 76 veterans on a day trip to Washington D.C. to visit war memorials on June 13, part of their 46th mission honoring those who served.

The veterans will depart from St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport on an Allegiant charter and return at 8:15 p.m.

A Welcome Home celebration will be held that evening to greet the veterans as they arrive home from their trip. The public is invited to attend the airport event.

The nonprofit’s mission is to recognize American veterans for their sacrifice and service by flying them free to our nation’s capital, where they can visit and reflect on the memorials dedicated in their honor.

Honor of Flight of Central Florida's 45th mission in April 2023. (Honor Flight of Central Florida)

“We are pleased to host the Honor Flights at PIE, so our community can come to honor our Veterans. Please join us for this celebration to thank and welcome our Veterans home to PIE and continue their day of honor,” Airport Director Tom Jewsbury said in a statement.

PIE’s restaurant, The District Pub, will be open from 5 to 8 p.m. for those attending the Welcome Home celebration. The restaurant is in the pre-security area located on the 2nd floor between Ticketing A and B. 

Parking is also free for those attending in the short or long-term parking lots. Airport officials ask attendees to be aware of construction on roadways around the airport and advise giving yourself extra time.

The Central Florida regional hub of the Honor Flight Network has flown over 3,200 veterans to Washington, D.C. since it was established in 2010.

The nonprofit’s 45th mission in April consisted of 2 WWII vets, 1 WWII/Korea/Vietnam vet, 7 Korea vets, 54 Vietnam vets, 1 Vietnam/Desert Storm vet, 1 Desert Storm vet, 1 Cold War vet, 1 Gulf War vet, 1 Iraq vet, and 7 Proud Veterans.

For more information on Honor Flight of Central Florida, visit www.honorflightwcf.org.