City of Boca Raton to Salute Veterans in a New Way
By: Robert S Weinroth
The salute to our veterans has outgrown its traditional venue at the Boca Raton Cemetery. Each year, the city would add over 100 chairs over the year before and each year there was standing room only.
The new location be will be at Countess de Hoernle Park (1000 Spanish River Blvd Boca Raton FL 33431) and the City of Boca Raton Recreation Services’ Veterans Day Ceremony will present an expanded program (including breakfast for veterans) and a more uplifting theme to honor the veterans in attendance.
As in years past, the event is free, thanks to the sponsorship provided by the Boca Raton Airport.
In addition to the free breakfast for Veterans, there will be a special medallion presentation, Veteran Resource Fair and yoga for veterans.
At 9AM the Veteran Resource Fair will be open to the public featuring a dozen veteran resource organizations providing veterans and their families with information to both assist with and alleviate common challenges often encountered by veterans. At the same time. the renowned musical group, American Bombshells Patriotic Services will entertain those in attendance.
The FREE veterans breakfast, sponsored in part by TooJay’s Deli • Bakery • Restaurant, Panera Bread, and Another Broken Egg Cafe (with volunteer assistance from the Junior League of Boca Raton) will be served to veterans in uniform or presenting military ID. All others are welcome for a $5 suggested donation which will benefit Habitat for Humanity South Palm Beach County’s Veterans Build initiative. The initiative will kick off the weekend on Friday, November 9th at Sand Pine Park where veterans can apply for free home renovations.
The traditional tribute ceremony is scheduled to begin at 9:30AM. As in previous years, it will involve veteran speakers, including Retired Lt. Col. Melvin Pollock (who spent five years in a prison camp with late Senator John McCain).
City officials will also address veterans in attendance and present commemorative City medallions to all veterans in attendance in appreciation of their service.
A musical processional will be performed by the Highlanders, the Boca Raton Community High School NJROTC, and the Boca Raton Police and Fire Honor Guards, with additional musical performances by the Boca Raton Community High School Band and the Coastmen Chorus.
Following the ceremony, between 11AM and Noon, Judy Weaver and her staff from Connected Warriors will host a FREE one-hour Yoga for Veterans session for those who would like to participate.
Attendees can write a letter to a soldier and donate goods to create “We Care” packages to be sent to deployed soldiers through Forgotten Soldiers Outreach. For a detailed list of care package items accepted and more information on the event, please visit www.myboca.us/specialevents.
And if you need to apply for veteran financial assistance, make sure to contact professional veteran aid services.
Later in the evening, join your neighbors at Mizner Park Amphitheater for a FREE concert in the park, sponsored in part by the Boca Raton Airport. “An American Tribute” will be presented by the Florida Wind Symphony under the direction of Dr. Kyle Prescott.
As in at the earlier event, attendees can write a letter to a soldier and donate goods to create “We Care” packages to be sent to deployed soldiers through Forgotten Soldiers Outreach.
Attendees are welcome to bring chairs and blankets. Chairs will also be available for rent inside the amphitheater for $5 cash (veterans and active military can enjoy complimentary chair rental).
Doors open will open at 6PM. Food and beverages will be available for purchase inside the venue. No coolers or outside alcoholic beverages permitted. The event is rain or shine.
Come out and honor the men and women who have served in our armed forces.
