Final preparations are being made for Mission Number 9 of the Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois.

About 85 veterans and their guardians will depart from Veterans Airport in Marion early Tuesday morning. They will visit several national memorials in Washington, D.C.

A welcome home celebration will be held at the airport from 5 to 9 p.m. No parking is allowed. Shuttle buses will be available from Cornerstone Church, Sam’s Club and Community of Faith Church.

Flights are free for veterans and funded through donations.