Manatee County Honors Veterans with Parade, Ceremonies, and Celebrations
Manatee County has planned a series of events to honor and celebrate veterans' service on Monday, Veterans Day. The highlight of the day’s events will be the annual Veterans Day Parade, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Manatee County Fairgrounds in Palmetto. The parade will proceed down 14th Avenue West and conclude at Sutton Park by 11 a.m., where decorated Navy veteran and former Vietnam prisoner of war Brad Smith will deliver the Veterans Day address.
Smith, who served in the Navy from 1961 to 1985 and retired as a commander, will share his experiences and reflections with attendees. His distinguished military career has earned him numerous accolades, including two Silver Stars, the Legion of Merit, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Meritorious Service Medal, three Bronze Stars, and two Purple Hearts. The Manatee County Veterans Council and the City of Palmetto are co-sponsors of the parade and commemorative activities.
In observance of Veterans Day, government offices will be closed Monday, though the School District of Manatee County will remain open, using the day as a hurricane makeup day.
Other Veterans Day Events in Manatee County:
Catholic Memorial Mass: Hosted by the Diocese of Venice at 2:45 p.m. Monday at Sarasota National Cemetery’s Patriot Plaza, 9810 S.R. 72, Sarasota.
Veterans Appreciation Luncheon: Sponsored by the Bradenton Kiwanis Club at 11:15 a.m. Tuesday at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. Army veteran Zeke Crozier, a decorated combat veteran of Afghanistan, will be the keynote speaker.
Airmen of Note Concert: Presented by the State College of Florida, this free concert by the Air Force’s premier jazz ensemble will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Neel Performing Arts Center, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton.
SCF Symphonic and Sarasota Concert Band Performance: Honoring Veterans, Our Real Heroes, this tribute concert will be held Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the Neel Performing Arts Center, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton.
With various events throughout the county, Veterans Day in Manatee County will be a time of gratitude and reflection, honoring those who have served with bravery and dedication.