Knoxville Bids Farewell to HonorAir's Final Flight

After nearly 20 years of service, the community gathers to welcome home veterans on the last HonorAir trip.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:05am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, impressionistic photograph showing a crowd of people in a warm, golden light, their faces and details obscured, waving American flags and cheering, conveying the celebratory and emotional atmosphere of the HonorAir flight's final journey.The Knoxville community gathers to bid a fond farewell to the final HonorAir flight, a beloved program that has honored local veterans for nearly two decades.Knoxville Today

The city of Knoxville is coming together to celebrate the final HonorAir flight, a program that has been transporting local veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit memorials dedicated to their service for almost two decades. Residents and officials are gathering at the airport to welcome home the veterans on this historic last journey.

Why it matters

HonorAir has become a beloved tradition in Knoxville, providing an opportunity for the community to honor its veterans and express gratitude for their sacrifices. The end of the program marks the closing of an era and the need to reflect on how the city can continue supporting its military members.

The details

HonorAir Knoxville was founded in 2007 to give local veterans, many of whom are elderly, the chance to visit the memorials built in their honor in the nation's capital. Over the years, the program has flown over 7,000 veterans on these all-expenses-paid trips. The final flight is bittersweet, as the organization has decided to end the program after nearly 20 years of service.

  • HonorAir Knoxville was founded in 2007.
  • The program has flown over 7,000 veterans to Washington, D.C. over the past 19 years.
  • The final HonorAir flight is taking place on April 9, 2026.

The players

HonorAir Knoxville

A nonprofit organization that has been providing all-expenses-paid trips for local veterans to visit memorials in Washington, D.C. since 2007.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This final flight is bittersweet, but we're grateful to have had the opportunity to honor our veterans in this way for nearly two decades.”

— Eddie Mannis, Founder of HonorAir Knoxville

What’s next

After this final flight, HonorAir Knoxville will officially end its program, leaving the community to find new ways to continue supporting and recognizing its veteran population.

The takeaway

HonorAir Knoxville's nearly 20-year legacy of providing meaningful trips for local veterans to visit their memorials in Washington, D.C. has left a lasting impact on the Knoxville community. As the program comes to a close, the city must now reflect on how to best continue honoring and supporting its veteran residents.