The Osceola County Veterans Council (OCVC) is an all-volunteer organization that provides Honor Guard Details, and Color Guard Details, and is a driving force in the Osceola County’s annual Veterans Day Parade.
Another of their annual events is the Veterans Tribute Dinner, to recognize the contributions of people, not necessarily just veterans, who support the veterans community throughout the year. It is a free event for 200 attendees. This year’s dinner was held on Saturday at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Neptune Road.
In 2024, OCVC participated in over 50 events, providing the honor guard for military veterans funerals, including firing the traditional 21-gun salute and the playing of “Taps.” The Color Guard presents or carries the national, state, and armed forces colors, or flags, in support of ceremonies and holidays such as Memorial Day, July 4th, and the annual Wreaths Across America wreath-laying at Mount Peace and Rose Hill Cemeteries. On several occasions each year, the OCVC veteran volunteers that form an honor guard or color guard will pull “double duty,” participating, or really performing at more than one event in a day. Another OCVC activity is providing volunteers for educational activities, such as speaking at schools or hosting informational events.
Among the veterans honored Saturday evening were Ron Richardson, Treasurer for Disabled American Veterans Kissimmee Post 148 as Veteran of the Year; and OCVC Commander and Navy veteran Pierre Brault, Outstanding Veteran of Year. OCVC also presented a $500 scholarship to Scouting BSA Troop 662 for their veteran-related and community activities in 2024.
The OCVC Color Guard will be in action at Memorial Day ceremonies in Kissimmee and St. Cloud on Monday, May 26th. For more information on the Osceola County Veterans Council, see https://bit.ly/3YYiSnm.
