HONOR FLIGHT MARKS 80TH MISSION WITH APRIL TRIP

HANNIBAL — The Great River Honor Flight has announced its first mission of 2026, which will also mark a major milestone for the organization.

Officials say the upcoming trip on April 30 will be the 80th mission, sending 32 veterans to Washington, D.C., and bringing the total number of veterans served to more than 2,500.

Participants from Missouri, Illinois, and Iowa will take part in the trip, which follows a long-standing itinerary used for nearly two decades. The day begins with an early morning departure by bus to St. Louis, followed by flights to Baltimore and then on to the nation’s capital.

While in Washington, veterans will visit several major memorials, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Memorial, World War II Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Iwo Jima Memorial, Air Force Memorial, and Navy Memorial. The group will also witness the Changing of the Guard at Arlington National Cemetery.

After a full day of events, the veterans will return that evening, with a welcome home celebration planned upon arrival back in Hannibal.

Organizers say the mission continues a long-running effort to honor those who served by providing them the opportunity to visit the monuments dedicated to their sacrifices.