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Melbourne, FL — In a partnership that honors America’s veterans, Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) announced this week that it will become the official launch point for Space Coast Honor Flights starting this fall. The announcement marks a major milestone for both the airport and the Space Coast Honor Flight organization as they work together to give local veterans the recognition and gratitude they deserve.

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Honor Flights are a national initiative dedicated to transporting America’s veterans to Washington, D.C., free of charge, so they can visit the memorials built in their honor. For many of these veterans, especially those from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, the opportunity to see these memorials serves as a once-in-a-lifetime chance to reflect, heal, and receive the appreciation they may have never fully received upon returning home from service.

Space Coast Honor Flight, which serves veterans from the Central Florida region, is part of the larger Honor Flight Network. Since its inception, the Honor Flight program nationwide has flown over 275,000 veterans to the nation’s capital. The trips typically include visits to the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and other sites of national significance.

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According to Melbourne Orlando International Airport, three Honor Flight missions are scheduled for 2025, with the first departures taking place later this year. The airport expressed its enthusiasm to serve as the departure point, stating:

“We’re proud to support this incredible organization as they fly our local veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials built in their honor. Three missions are planned for 2025 — and we’ll be here to send them off with gratitude and cheers!”

In addition to providing critical logistical support, MLB’s participation will make it more convenient for Space Coast area veterans to participate, eliminating the need for lengthy travel to other Florida airports.

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The local community is being encouraged to get involved by volunteering or donating to support the flights. Donations help cover the full cost of the trip for each veteran, ensuring that they and their caregivers, known as “guardians,” can make the journey without financial burden. More information is available at spacecoasthonorflight.org.

This new partnership also highlights the broader mission of the Space Coast community to support its veterans and honor their service. As the announcement on social media concluded, “Let’s show our veterans just how much the Space Coast cares.”

About Honor Flight:
Honor Flight began in 2005 as a grassroots effort to bring World War II veterans to the memorial that was completed in their honor in Washington, D.C. Since then, the program has expanded to include veterans from the Korean War, Vietnam War, and terminally ill veterans from any conflict. Honor Flights serve not only as a patriotic tribute but also as a powerful form of healing for many veterans, offering camaraderie, recognition, and closure.

How You Can Help:
The Space Coast Honor Flight organization relies entirely on donations and volunteers. Interested community members can contribute financially, serve as guardians to assist veterans on their trip, or volunteer at send-off and welcome-home ceremonies.

For more information, visit spacecoasthonorflight.org.

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