SOUTHWEST FLORIDA HONOR FLIGHT MISSION XXV TAKES FLIGHT TOMORROW!
85 Veterans to Experience a Day of Honor in Washington, D.C. – Community Invited to Give Our Nation’s Heroes the Welcome Home They Deserve
SARASOTA, FL – On Tuesday, October 20, 2026, Southwest Florida Honor Flight will proudly embark on Mission XXV, transporting 85 American veterans from Sarasota Bradenton International Airport to Washington, D.C., for a once-in-a-lifetime journey of honor, remembrance, and gratitude.
Among these extraordinary American heroes are one World War II veteran, multiple Cold War-era veterans who served between World War II and the Korean War, seven Korean War veterans, and veterans of the Vietnam era.
Twelve female veterans will also be aboard Mission XXV, receiving special recognition during a meaningful visit to the Military Women’s Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery, where their service, sacrifice, and contributions to our nation’s military history will be honored.
Throughout their day in our nation’s capital, the veterans will visit the Military Women’s Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the United States Marine Corps War Memorial, commonly known as the Iwo Jima Memorial.
For many of these veterans, the journey represents far more than a visit to Washington, D.C. It is an opportunity to reflect on their military service, reconnect with fellow veterans, remember those who never returned home, and experience the gratitude of a nation they proudly served.
For our Vietnam veterans, many of whom returned home decades ago without the recognition they deserved, this mission offers an especially meaningful opportunity for healing, appreciation, and the welcome home that was long overdue.
Every veteran aboard Mission XXV has a story of service, courage, and sacrifice. Some have waited decades to receive the recognition they so richly deserve. This mission is about so much more than visiting memorials. It is about honoring their service, preserving their stories, and reminding these American heroes that their sacrifices will never be forgotten.
COMMUNITY INVITED TO A PATRIOTIC WELCOME HOME CELEBRATION!
Southwest Florida Honor Flight invites the entire community to come together on Tuesday evening to welcome home these 85 extraordinary veterans at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ).
The Allegiant Airlines charter flight, Flight #4934, is expected to arrive at approximately 8:50 PM.
Community members are encouraged to arrive after 7:00 PM to enjoy an evening filled with patriotism, live music, entertainment, food trucks, and the excitement of welcoming home America’s heroes.
Families, veterans, active-duty military personnel, first responders, civic organizations, youth groups, and patriotic Americans of all ages are encouraged to attend.
Bring your American flags, wear your red, white, and blue, and help create an unforgettable celebration for the men and women who answered our nation’s call to serve.
Imagine the impact of hundreds of patriotic Americans cheering, waving flags, and applauding as these veterans return home. For some, it may be the first time they have ever experienced a welcome home like this. We want them to know that Southwest Florida remembers, appreciates, and honors their service.
MISSION XXV HOMECOMING DETAILS
Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Location: Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)
Community Arrival: After 7:00 PM
Veterans’ Flight Arrival: Approximately 8:50 PM
Flight: Allegiant Airlines Charter #4934
Activities: Live music, food trucks, entertainment, and a patriotic veterans’ welcome home celebration.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
ABOUT SOUTHWEST FLORIDA HONOR FLIGHT
Southwest Florida Honor Flight is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to safely transporting American military veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials built in their honor and giving them the welcome home they deserve.
Serving veterans throughout Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Manatee, and Sarasota counties, Southwest Florida Honor Flight has honored more than 2,300 veterans since 2007.
Each Honor Flight mission costs approximately $118,000, with every dollar raised locally through the generosity of businesses, civic organizations, community partners, and individual donors. Southwest Florida Honor Flight receives no federal or state funding and relies on the generosity of our Southwest Florida community to make these life-changing journeys possible.
Veterans participate completely free of charge. With hundreds of veterans still awaiting their opportunity to experience an Honor Flight, continued financial support is essential to ensuring that more of our nation’s heroes receive the recognition, gratitude, and unforgettable day of honor they have earned.
For more information, veteran applications, volunteer opportunities, or to make a tax-deductible donation to support future missions, visit swflhonorflight.org.
Follow Southwest Florida Honor Flight on Facebook throughout Mission XXV for live updates, photographs, and highlights from Washington, D.C.
Southwest Florida Honor Flight – Honoring Our Nation’s Heroes, One Flight at a Time.