mission marks fifth Space Coast Honor Flight departure from Melbourne Orlando International Airport
Space Coast Honor Flight will launch its 88th mission from Melbourne Orlando International Airport on Saturday, June 13, sending 50 veterans and 50 guardians to Washington, D.C., for a day of remembrance, reflection, and recognition at the memorials built in their honor.
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, LORIDA – Space Coast Honor Flight will launch its 88th mission from Melbourne Orlando International Airport on Saturday, June 13, sending 50 veterans and 50 guardians to Washington, D.C., for a day of remembrance, reflection, and recognition at the memorials built in their honor.
The mission includes one World War II veteran, one Korean War veteran, 36 Vietnam War veterans, and 12 post-Vietnam veterans.
The mission marks the fifth Space Coast Honor Flight departure from Melbourne Orlando International Airport, which has become the site of the organization’s Welcome Home Celebrations.
The community is once again expected to fill the terminal to welcome the veterans home following their return from the nation’s capital.
“Seeing our community come together to celebrate these veterans is one of the most meaningful experiences we can provide,” said Greg Donovan, Executive Director of Space Coast Honor Flight.
“As a community, we have a responsibility to ensure these men and women know their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
To encourage even greater community participation, MLB is launching the Rally for Our Veterans Challenge.
Community organizations, employers, schools, churches, neighborhoods, and civic groups are invited to register teams and compete for points by RSVPing and attending the Welcome Home Celebration.
The winning team will receive 20 VIP tickets to the City of Melbourne’s MelBoom! Fireworks Celebration on July 4 at Front Street Park, along with a guardian escort spot on a future Space Coast Honor Flight mission.
The challenge is designed to encourage friendly competition while helping fill the terminal with supporters for the veterans’ return home.
The mission marks the fifth Space Coast Honor Flight departure from Melbourne Orlando International Airport, which has become the site of the organization’s Welcome Home Celebrations. The community is once again expected to fill the terminal to welcome the veterans home following their return from the nation’s capital.
In recognition of America’s 250th Anniversary and the generations of Americans who have defended our nation’s freedoms, this mission will feature several special patriotic tributes.
During the morning Send-Off Ceremony, the Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard will serve as the Honor Guard.
During the Welcome Home Celebration, cast members from Titusville Playhouse’s upcoming production of 1776 will perform inside the terminal, bringing the spirit of our nation’s founding to this memorable evening honoring America’s veterans.
The festivities begin at 8:30 p.m. with MLB’s Red, White & You! Preflight Party, featuring live music by The Last Call Band, food trucks, beer from Intracoastal Brewing Company for guests 21 and older, MLB Comfort Canines, giveaways, and family-friendly activities.
As anticipation builds for the veterans’ arrival, supporters will gather with flags and signs for the Veterans Walk of Honor, creating an unforgettable homecoming experience filled with applause, gratitude, and patriotic pride.
Live music by The Last Call Band, food trucks, beer for guests 21 and older, MLB Comfort Canines, performances by cast members from 1776, giveaways, and patriotic festivities.
Space Coast Honor Flight is a nonprofit organization that honors America’s veterans by providing free, all-expenses-paid trips to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice.
Founded in 2010, SCHF has flown thousands of veterans from Florida’s Space Coast to our nation’s capital. Each mission offers veterans a day of remembrance, connection, and community appreciation for their service.
