A Salute To Veterans

Veterans Day Parade

Put on your red, white and blue and come downtown for the annual Veterans Day Parade on Monday. The patriotic parade features more than 4,000 participants including senior military officials, JTROTC and many more. The parade will begin at 11 a.m. on Bay Street. You can also watch the parade live on NEWS4JAX.COM. If you plan to attend the parade, bring a non-perishable item to help those suffering following Hurricane Sandy. Collection Bins will be set up along the parade route at Independent Drive at Hogan Street, Independent Drive at Laura Street, Bay Street in front of the former Shipyards property and Bay Street in front of former Duval County Courthouse. Donors are encouraged to bring items such as granola bars, energy bars, baby needs, and personal hygiene products.

 State Parks Veterans Day Observance

Fort Clinch State Park in Fernandina Beach will host an event on Saturday in observance of Veterans Day. Beginning at 9 a.m., living historians from each major U.S. military conflict will share information along with military history displays. Period music and firing demonstrations will be seen and heard. Entrance is $6 per vehicle, up to eight people. Fort admission is one canned food item per person, which will be donated to a food pantry. Veterans and active duty are invited to come dressed in uniforms.

Veterans Day Celebration

The Northeast Florida Chapter of Heroes on the Water along with Browns Creek Fish Camp will hold a Veterans Day Celebration on Sunday. It will begin at 8 a.m. with veterans, family members and volunteers at Browns Creek Fish Camp in Jacksonville. Organizers say this will be a day of fun and relaxation and kayak fishing to be followed by an old-fashioned BBQ. For more information, go to www.heroesonthewater.org.

 Veterans Day in Bradford County

The Bradford County Historic Preservation Society will host a community event on Sunday. “Honoring Freedom” is a free event at Town Square and Band Shell on Call and Waters Street in Downtown Starke. It begins at 11 a.m. There will be entertainment by the Clay County Swing Band, Southern Feather Band and Steel Country Band.

Veterans Day in Kingsland, GA

The annual Veterans Day Celebration will be held in Kingsland, Georgia on Saturday. There will be a fundraising yard sale beginning at 8 a.m. at the Kingsland Depot on E. King Avenue. A parade will begin at 10 a.m. on U.S. 17. A recognition ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. in the Kingsland Veterans Memorial Park.

Flagler County Veterans Day Ceremony
Veterans will be honored during a ceremony in Flagler County on Monday. Captain John Sowell of the U.S. Army will be the keynote speaker for the ceremony. It will begin at 10 a.m. in front of the Government Services building. The public is encouraged to attend.

Salute to Veterans 5K Run/Walk

The “Salute to Veterans 5K” run and walk will be held Sunday at the Jacksonville Landing. This event is a salute to our veterans and active duty service men and women. The 5K begins at 8 a.m., and the 1-mile at 9 a.m. This event will benefit the Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association in its efforts to bring a retired Guided Missile Destroyer to downtown. To sign up, go to www.1stplacesports.com/salute.html.

 Salute to Veterans

MOSH will host a salute to veterans on Monday. Join MOSH for a day honoring veterans with activities throughout the day. Admission is free for active and retired military and only $5 for military dependents.

“Massages for Military”

Massage Envy will host an event “Massages for Military” on Monday. Active duty military personnel and veterans will receive a free 1-hour massage session on Monday.  This event begins at 8 a.m. To make an appointment, call 904-821-ENVY. A valid military identification must be presented at the time of service.

Salute-Veterans Day Picnic and Americana Musicfest

The Jacksonville Landing will host a picnic and Americana Musicfest on Saturday to salute veterans. You can listen to the live music of Will Pearsall, Evan Acoustic Trio and Grandpa’s Cough Medicine. This event begins at 1 p.m. and goes until 2 a.m.  Veterans and active duty personnel are eligible for door prizes.

Free Car Wash

CarbuX Car Wash will offer free carwashes on Sunday to honor veterans. All three locations on San Jose Boulevard, Dunn Avenue and Beach Boulevard will offer the free carwashes. In order to receive a free car wash, tell the employee of your status when you pull up. No physical proof is required. Hours for this event are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Veterans Day Blood Drives
The Blood Alliance is hosting a number of blood drives this Veterans Day weekend. The Alliance will donate $5 for every pint donated at any of the blood drives.
Locations:
Wounded Warrior Project
4899 Belfort Road
Jacksonville, FL 32256
Friday, November 9, from 12p-4p

American Legion Lakeshore Post #137
5443 San Juan
Jacksonville, FL 32210
Saturday, November 10, from 10a-2p

5 Points Merchants to Honor Veterans
1024 Park Street
Jacksonville, FL 32204
Saturday, November 10, from 12p-4p

St. Augustine, FL:
VFW-2391
6184 US Highway 1, South
St. Augustine, FL 32086
Sunday, November 11, from 10a-2p

To make an appointment to donate blood, go to www.igiveblood.com.