Seventy-six veterans will touch down at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) on Tuesday after a day visiting war memorials in Washington, D.C. The airport is inviting the public to greet them.

Public invited to Tuesday's welcome-home event

The welcome-home reception begins at 8 p.m. in the terminal. Parking is free in PIE's short-term and long-term lots, and attendees are encouraged to wear patriotic colors.

Mission marks 4,000th veteran honored

The flight is Honor Flight of West Central Florida's Mission 58. The trip also marks a milestone: the St. Petersburg-based nonprofit will honor its 4,000th veteran with this mission, according to the airport.

Honor Flight of West Central Florida flies veterans to the nation's capital at no cost so they can visit memorials dedicated to their service. The program gives priority to World War II, Korean War and Vietnam veterans, as well as veterans facing terminal illness.

Tracy Luchtenberg, president of Honor Flight of West Central Florida, said in a statement that the organization is proud to continue its 2026 season and invited the community to wear patriotic colors and join the welcome-home celebration.

Airport has military roots from World War II

PIE has hosted Honor Flight welcome-home receptions since 2011. Tuesday's event will be the airport's 56th. The airfield itself has military roots: originally Pinellas Army Airfield, it was built after the attack on Pearl Harbor to train fighter pilots flying P-40s and P-51s during World War II. A permanent exhibit in the terminal honors Brig. Gen. James H. Howard, the only European Theater fighter pilot awarded the Medal of Honor in World War II and the base's last wartime commander.

Where to eat before the flight lands

For those arriving early, The District Pub on the terminal's second floor between Ticketing A and B will be open from 5 to 8 p.m.

Contact info and address for the airport

PIE is located at 14700 Terminal Blvd. in Clearwater. More information is available from Honor Flight of West Central Florida at 727-498-6079 or honorflightwcf.org.

Coming up

  • Oct. 20 — Honor Flight of West Central Florida Mission 59 departs PIE for Washington, D.C.