73 Veterans To Head To Washington Sept. 11 On Honor Flight

CLEARWATER, FL -- On Tuesday, Sept. 11, St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport's 35th Honor Flight with 73 veterans will depart from PIE on an Allegiant charter for a daylong visit to Washington, D.C., and the war memorials.

The final Honor Flight for 2018 will be Oct. 30.

“As we begin our fall flights for 2018, we are grateful to be honoring veterans with our 35th free flight to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials built in their honor," Honor Flight of West Central Florida President April Dennis Currie said. "Thanks to St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport for your graciousness in making the welcome home a true celebration. We appreciate the partnership with Allegiant for the safe transportation of our treasured veterans. Put on your patriotic garb and join us in giving these veterans a true hero’s welcome home.”

St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport’s roots began as a WWII Army Training Base, and after the war the property was given to the county in 1946 to develop as an airport.

“We continue to be honored to host our veterans to thank them for their dedicated service," airport director Tom Jewsbury said. "We enjoy celebrating with the community in welcoming our veterans home to PIE from their day of honor.”

The veterans return to St. Pete-Clearwater at approximately 8:30 p.m. The welcome home celebration is open to the public, and various groups, military and government leaders will be at the airport to greet the veterans.

Free parking will be available to attend the welcome home event (note free parking will only be granted when no other passenger flights are arriving). Please be aware that there is construction on roadways in and around the airport and parking in long-term is limited; a shuttle runs continuously between the terminal and Economy #1 Lot across Roosevelt Boulevard.

For information, contact Emily Roberts at emily@tampabaybeaches.com

Images via Honor Flight of West Central Florida

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