The Flagler County Board of County Commissioners, the City of Bunnell, the City of Flagler Beach, the Town of Beverly Beach, the Town of Marineland, and the City of Palm Coast invite residents to gather for a blended Veterans Day Ceremony at 10 a.m. Tuesday, November 11, that begins at the historic Coquina City Hall in Bunnell.
The day’s events will kick off with the 3rd Annual Veterans Parade to honor the men and women who bravely served in the country’s military.
“This will be a truly wonderful day because of the partnerships with our cities, county veterans, and our residents,” said Veterans Services Officer David Lydon. “On behalf of the Flagler County Veterans Advisory Council, we would like to welcome everyone to attend.”
The parade will travel east on Moody Boulevard and conclude at the Government Services Building where the traditional ceremony will begin about 11 a.m. Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Dave Freeman – who is also Chief of Operations for Flagler Schools – will be the grand marshal of the parade and will be the keynote speaker at the ceremony.
Freeman served between 1983 and 2004. He was called back to active duty after retirement between 2006 and 2008. He earned scores of medals: Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (4 awards), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2 awards), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal (6 awards), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Iraq Campaign Medal among others.
At the ceremony that follows, the “Flagler County Colonel Gary E. DeKay Veteran of the Year” award recipient will be announced.
Also, to express their gratitude for servicemen and women, the Flagler County Historical Society is sponsoring two professional photographers to take digital portraits of veterans at the Government Services Building. Family, friends, and pets are welcome to join veterans in their portraits. Veterans are asked to be in uniform or in a favorite cap or vest.
There is an online registration form for the veterans portraits – https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/veterans-free-portaits – but the form will also be available on site Veterans Day. Pictures will be taken from 10 a.m. until about noon.
This year’s Veterans’ Day event is sponsored by Flagler County, the City of Bunnell, the City of Palm Coast, and the Flagler County Veterans Advisory Council.
A small committee of citizens, volunteers, as well as city and county employees are the driving force behind the parade.
“Veterans Day is an opportunity for all of us to come together in a show of respect and appreciation for the brave men and women who served our country,” Parade Chair David Brannon said. “It is an honor to host this parade and ceremony, and we invite everyone to join in this meaningful celebration.”
Note: this is an updated version of a previously published article.
JustBeNice says
Was wondering if either of the high school bands will be playing in the parade?
Whathehck? says
What a great idea and collaboration to honor our brave men and women.
The 10am ceremony is also an improvement from the 8am in Palm Coast.
Thank you gals and guys.