“On Veterans Day, we pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States of America,” said Walt Raysick, President of the Veterans Affairs Council of Hillsborough County.
The first Veterans Day, held on November 11, 1919, was originally known as Armistice Day. It commemorated the signing of the treaty that effectively ended World War I. The treaty was signed on the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour. “When it became apparent that wars were not a thing of the past, the name was changed to Veterans Day to honor the sacrifices our service members have made all over the war,” explained Raysick.
This year’s Veterans Day, November 11, 2011, is significant. 2011 marks 10 years since the United States was attacked on September 11, 2001, and it marks 10 years since the commencement of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
Groups and organizations will host events throughout the area to commemorate this year’s Veterans Day.
On Thursday, November 10, Bell Shoals Baptist Church will host a “Veterans Appreciation Celebration Service” at 7 p.m. in the Chapel of Bell Shoals, located at 2102 Bell Shoals Rd. in Brandon. The event will feature patriotic music, a time of prayer for our military and their families, and a message from Major General Douglas L. Carver (ret), former Chief of Chaplains United States Army. A dessert reception will follow in the Special Events Center.
For more information, please visit www.bellshoals.com (keyword VET).
On Thursday, November 10, The Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce will hold the 2011 Winthrop/Bloomingdale Veteran’s Fest from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Campo Family YMCA, 3414 Culbreath Road, in Valrico. This family event will consist of about 60 vendors, to include food vendors, Chamber member businesses, as well as non-profit and Veteran’s community organizations. Working in tandem with the Military Affairs Council, a taps and flag raising ceremony will be included, performed by local Veterans, and ROTC students. Fun and entertainment will be provided for the whole family. In an effort to give back to the community, the event will contribute raffle proceeds to the Military Council MacDill Endowment Fund, and ECHO will be on site to accept canned food donations in return for separate raffle prizes. Admission into the event and food is free to the public.
For more information on being a sponsor or an exhibitor, please contact Laura Cook at lcook@brandonchamber.com, or Crystal Colegrove at ccolegrove@brandonchamber.com, or call (813) 689-1221.
On Friday, November 11, at 8:30 a.m., Serenity Meadows, located at 6919 Providence Rd. in Riverview, will hold its Annual Veterans Day Program to thank and honor those that have and are giving their service to the country. Guest speakers will include Colonel Lou Ramos (Ret) United States Air Force and founder and president of Supporting America’s Finest, Inc. The Riverview High School JROTC will present the colors and music will be provided by Riverview High School and Riverview United Methodist Church.
For more information, please visit www.serenitymeadows.com.
On Friday, November 11, there will be several events taking place at the Veterans Memorial Park and Rear Admiral Leroy Collins, Jr. Veterans Museum located at 3602 U.S. Hwy 301 N. in Tampa. At 9 a.m. the new Vietnam Veterans Memorial will be dedicated followed by the Last Patrol, a Vietnam War reenactment.
At 11 a.m. (remember the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour), the 47th Annual Veterans Day Tribute will take place. There will be over 100 JROTC Cadets from area high schools in attendance to perform a Pass in Review and demonstrations. The keynote speaker will be Major General Michael D. Jones (Ret) United States Army. Spirit Awards will be given as well as a Wreath Tribute by the Gold Star Wives of America. Guests will be invited to enjoy refreshments and visit the museum and Veterans Park displays.
For more information, please visit www.veteransparkhc.com.
Saturday, Nov. 12 at E. G. Simmons Park. SOUTH SHORE RUN SERIES – 5K AND 1 MILE FUN RUN/WALK. Race day registration begins at 7:15 a.m. 5K Run begins at 8 a.m. and the 1Mile Run/Walk begins at 9 a.m. Pre-registration is available on Active.com through the following link: http://www.active.com/running/ruskin-fl/south-shore-run-series-fall-5k-and-1mile-fun-runwalk-2011?SSFEAT=250Spot2TestofActivePurchCNFMRSVPPROD-1299731217995-1309385391759&SREF=F
