Submitted by St. Cloud Main Street
The Veterans Salute Dinner is typically held in November of each year, however, last year it was rescheduled for May 15, 2021, which is Armed Forces Day.
This year the Soldiers City Veterans Salute Dinner will be Saturday, May 15, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Marina Building, 1104 Lakeshore Blvd., St. Cloud.
Guest speakers will be Maj. John Hayes, member of the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame and State Rep. Anthony Sabatini.
This dinner event pays tribute to all veterans of all wars. We provide as many free meals to our St. Cloud veterans as possible through the generous donations of corporate tables at this event. During this event there will be a presentation of Colors, 21-gun salute, and T.A.P.S.
During his time in office, Mr. Sabatini has helped two different bills become law including the unlawful use of uniforms, medals, and insignia in 2020 and expanding the prohibition of misrepresenting oneself as a service member or veteran for professional or political benefit. Mr. Sabatini completed the ROTC program through University of Florida and has been a member of the Florida Army National Guard since 2008 as an Infantry Officer.
Through the Florida National Guard, he has been called to help during emergencies including several hurricanes such as Hurricane Irma and Michael.
Maj. John Haynes served his country for 30 years, during that time he was sent to North China, Korea, Viet Nam, Okinawa, Japan, Borneo, and other foreign countries.
Throughout his service he was awarded the Silver Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Gold Star and Combat “V”, the Combat Action Ribbon, Cross of Gallantry, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, China Service Medal, World War Two Victory Medal and other personal and Unit Awards. Maj. Haynes has gone on to earn his bachelors and masters degree and now volunteers his time as a volunteer service officer with the Disabled American Veterans, Department of Florida helping families who are denied benefits from the Veterans Administration.
Maj. Haynes is of the founding members of the Florida Veterans Foundation.
Tickets are currently on sale through Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/143194740323 and corporate tables are still available to support seats for our veterans.
St. Cloud Main Street is a comprehensive revitalization program designed to encourage ongoing economic development in conjunction with historic preservation.
Our goal is to bring more recognition to our downtown and what it has to offer. We are a non-profit organization funded by sponsors, memberships, city and county governments and run by community volunteers.
