Home » Home » Space Coast Honor Flight to Welcome Home Veterans Saturday Night at Melbourne Orlando International Airport

Space Coast Honor Flight to Welcome Home Veterans Saturday Night at Melbourne Orlando International Airport

By  //  May 15, 2026

Saturday’s mission is sponsored by Mederi CAREtenders Hospice, Festivities begin at 8 p.m.

WATCH: In September 2025, Space Coast Honor Flight marked a historic milestone with its first-ever trip departing directly from Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.

May 16 Welcome Home Celebration is scheduled from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. inside the airport terminal and is free and open to the public

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Hundreds of supporters are expected to gather Saturday night at Melbourne Orlando International Airport to welcome home Brevard County veterans returning from the latest Space Coast Honor Flight mission to Washington, D.C.

The event marks the second of five Honor Flight missions scheduled for 2026, with Melbourne Orlando International Airport serving as the presenting sponsor.

The May 16 Welcome Home Celebration is scheduled from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. inside the airport terminal and is free and open to the public.

“The Melbourne Orlando International Airport and Space Coast Honor Flight have been working together for more than three years to conduct Honor Flights from our hometown,” said Rear Admiral James Hart, USN (Ret.), SCHF President. “

“This partnership culminated in three smooth flights and spectacular homecomings for our veterans. The community support has been nothing short of incredible.”

“The Melbourne Orlando International Airport and Space Coast Honor Flight have been working together for more than three years to conduct Honor Flights from our hometown,” said retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral James Hart, CEO of Space Coast Honor Flight. “This partnership culminated in three smooth flights and spectacular homecomings for our veterans. The community support has been nothing short of incredible.” (Space Coast Honor Flight image)

Airport and Space Coast Honor Flight officials are encouraging the community to line the terminal with American flags, handmade signs, and patriotic colors as veterans arrive home following their daylong trip to visit the nation’s war memorials.

Saturday’s mission is sponsored by Mederi CAREtenders Hospice, while the evening’s entertainment will feature live music from Andrew Rickman & The No Pressure Band during the airport’s “Red, White & You” pre-flight celebration.

Food trucks, giveaways, and beer service for adults 21 and older are also planned before the veterans’ arrival.

Airport and Space Coast Honor Flight officials are encouraging the community to line the terminal with American flags, handmade signs, and patriotic colors as veterans arrive home following their daylong trip to visit the nation’s war memorials.

According to Space Coast Honor Flight organizers, terminal doors open at 8 p.m., with festivities beginning at 8:30 p.m., and the veterans’ flight is expected to arrive around 9:34 p.m.

The featured “Veterans Walk of Honor” is expected to begin around 10 p.m. as veterans make their way through cheering crowds inside the terminal.

Space Coast Honor Flight is a nonprofit organization that provides veterans with free trips to Washington, D.C., allowing them to visit memorials dedicated to their military service and sacrifice.

The organization primarily serves World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans, with each veteran accompanied by a guardian escort throughout the trip.

Melbourne Orlando International Airport officials are encouraging residents from across the Space Coast to attend and show their appreciation for those who served.

“Each Honor Flight from MLB is a reminder of the deep gratitude our community feels for those who have served,” said Greg Donovan, A.A.E., executive director of MLB. “It was an honor to see these missions take off from our hometown airport, and we’re thankful for the dedication of everyone who made them possible, from our staff and partners to the incredible volunteers who make these days so meaningful.”

“Each Honor Flight from MLB is a reminder of the deep gratitude our community feels for those who have served,” said Greg Donovan, A.A.E., executive director of MLB.

“It was an honor to see these missions take off from our hometown airport, and we’re thankful for the dedication of everyone who made them possible, from our staff and partners to the incredible volunteers who make these days so meaningful.”

The Welcome Home celebrations have become one of the Space Coast’s most recognizable patriotic traditions, drawing veterans groups, scout troops, civic organizations, and families from across Brevard County.

Featured community participants often include honor guards, veteran organizations, patriotic performers, and volunteers who help create the hero’s welcome atmosphere at the airport terminal.

Space Coast Honor Flight marked a historic milestone in September 2025 with its first-ever trip departing directly from Melbourne Orlando International Airport to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. The mission brought 48 local veterans to Washington, D.C., for a daylong tribute at the nation’s most revered military memorials — and concluded with a powerful homecoming celebration attended by hundreds of supporters. (Space Coast Honor Flight image)

Organizers are encouraging attendees to bring family members, wave flags, and help create a memorable and heartfelt homecoming.

Airport officials said free parking will be available for attendees, and community members are encouraged to arrive early due to the large expected crowds.

Additional Welcome Home celebrations are planned throughout the year at MLB Airport on June 13, Sept. 12, and Oct. 17.

For more information, visit www.MLBair.com/HonorFlight.

Event Details

■ When: Saturday, May 16, 2026
■ 8:30 p.m. – “Red, White & YOU” Pre-Flight Party (music, food, giveaways)
■ 9:34 p.m. – Veteran Flight Arrival
■ 10 p.m. – Walk of Honor through the terminal
■ Where: Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB), Jack L. Ryals Welcome Center
■ Parking: Free for all attendees
■ Sponsor: Mederi CAREtenders Hospice

Hundreds of supporters are expected to gather Saturday night at Melbourne Orlando International Airport to welcome home local veterans returning from the latest Space Coast Honor Flight mission to Washington, D.C.