Veterans Day, a celebration of those who have served the country, here and abroad, is Nov. 11 — “The Eleventh Day of the Eleventh Month”. Many government and office locations will be closed on Friday in honor of the national day.
Locally, here’s a list of just some of the events happening to celebrate and honor our men and women in uniform:
Wednesday
The Association of Poinciana Villages (APV) invites the community to attend an early Veterans Day Ceremony and Picnic Lunch on Nov. 8 at 11 a.m. at the Poinciana Veteran Memorial Park (401 Walnut St.) This event features Polk County Sheriff Honor Guard, Pledge of Allegiance by Trish Moore, APV Communication Specialist, invocation by Pastor Howell, Living Water Fellowship, speakers will by Mark Maldonado, APV General Manager, Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez, Congressman Darren Soto, Glen Gilzean, District Administrator Central Florida Tourism Oversight District and Polk County Sheriff Office, representing Sheriff Grady Judd. The picnic lunch will be served by the staff of APV after the event.
Friday
Veterans Day and Flag Dedication Ceremony — From 3-3:30, the youth of the St. Cloud Boys & Girls Club will host a ceremony to dedicate its flag pole at the club at 10th Street and Virginia Avenue. Eric McCormick, CEO of the McCormick Research Institute, will be the guest speaker; McCormick Research Institute works to reduce Veteran suicidal rates and strengthen families with those with special needs by offering access to equine-assisted therapy. VFW Post 3227, American Legion post 80, Home Depot of St. Cloud and the Osceola County School District provided funding, materials, labor and professional guidance for the project.
Broadmoor Veteran's Day event — The Broadmoor Community will hold a Veterans Day Event on Nov. 10 at 11 a.m. at the Broadmoor clubhouse (234 Boscobel Drive, Kissimmee). This event intends to honor Mr. Dallas Starnes, a 96-year old WWII Navy Veteran. This event is also planning to honor all veterans in attendance. The Poinciana High School Jr. Navy ROTC Color Guard is scheduled to participate, along with two high school students who will perform our National Anthem. The event will be followed by a community pot luck luncheon.
Soldier City’s Veterans Salute Dinner — St. Cloud Main Street presents this year’s Soldier City’s Veterans Salute Dinner on Nov. 10, from 6-9 p.m. at the St. Cloud Marina. This dinner event pays tribute to Veterans of all wars. During this event there will be a presentation of Colors, a 21-gun salute, and T.A.P.S. This year’s featured guest speaker is Retired Navy Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Bob Asztalos. Army Officer Lisette Bonano will be joining Bob in presenting at the dinner. Bonano worked in human resources and civil affairs in Washington, at MacDill Air Force base and overseas, including in Iraq and Afghanistan. She was recently profiled for efforts to help Afghans who worked with U.S. forces escape the country
Saturday
Downtown Kissimmee Parade — Starting at the Osceola County Courthouse, and working its way down Broadway, the parade begins at 10 a.m.
Salute our Veterans Weekend at Solivita includes a Veteran’s Day Memorial Ceremony and breakfast is on Nov. 11 at 9 a.m. The breakfast will be held at the Starlight Ballroom following the ceremony. Presented by the Veterans Club of Solivita will be at the Veterans Memorial in Freedom Park. Tickets for the breakfast are $15 per person. Guests of all ages are welcome. To purchase tickets, go to https://solivitaclub.yapsody.com/event/book/781363/31567353.
A free Veteran’s Resource Fair takes place on Veterans Day, Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sponsored by the City of St. Cloud, this event will be held at Veterans Park, 1201 13th St. For more information, call 407-957-7243.
Dinner with a Veteran — the City of Kissimmee will honor those who have served at Chambers Park from 5-7 p.m. at Chambers Park Community Center. For information call 407-518-2599.
