Local veterans have two chances in the coming year to see the memorials built in their honor, completely free of charge. Southwest Florida Honor Flight is planning a trip departing from Sarasota in October 2026 and another from Punta Gorda in April 2026. Each one-day journey takes veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Every veteran travels with a volunteer guardian and medical staff are on board throughout the trip, so families can feel confident that their loved one is well cared for from takeoff to touchdown. The program is funded entirely through donations and community fundraisers, which is how Honor Flight keeps every seat free for the veterans themselves. Since 2005, the national Honor Flight Network has flown hundreds of thousands of veterans to the nation’s capital.
Organizers say the mission is simple: give veterans time to reflect at the memorials and receive the welcome home many never got when they returned from service. If you or a veteran you know is eligible, the time to apply is now, since flights are filled from the applicant pool. Questions about eligibility or the application process can be directed to Southwest Florida Honor Flight.
Do you know a Suncoast veteran who has never been to the memorials? What’s stopping them from applying today?
