HERALD STAFF REPORT
MANATEE — Manatee County will pay tribute to its veterans, living and dead, with an annual Veterans Day parade and service in Palmetto on Thursday.
Staging for the parade begins at the Manatee County Fairgrounds in Palmetto at 8:30 a.m., said Stan Weyman, one of the coordinators for the Manatee County Veterans Council.
The parade is scheduled to step out from the fairgrounds at 9:30 a.m., led by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office color guard. The parade will make its way south to Lamb and Sutton Park, 700 10th Ave. W., for a program at 11 a.m. Palmetto Mayor Shirley Groover-Bryant is scheduled to be the keynote speaker. County Commissioner Larry Bustle will read a Veterans Day proclamation.
Afterward, VFW Post 2488, 810 Sixth St. W., Palmetto will have a cookout and is inviting any vet to eat free. Non-vets may also join in for a donation.
Other local Veterans Day events:
n The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee will honor the members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including USF Sarasota-Manatee students, staff, faculty, and alumni veterans, with a Veterans Day ceremony 3-4 p.m. today in Selby Auditorium, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail.
Speakers include student Sean Abene, member of the Air National Guard, and Robert Parker Fondes, author of “From the Attic to Military Museums: How to Honor Your Family by Donating and Preserving Military History.”
Manatee Operation Troop Support will accept cash donations for care packages for overseas troops. Guests also will be invited to fill out postcards with well-wishes for the troops. Also present will be the Military Assistance Program, which supports Afghan and Iraqi veterans or active military personnel and their families, and a local veteran employment representative and disabled veteran outreach program specialist with the Suncoast Workforce, who will provide employment assistance and job training for veterans and disabled veterans.
The event is free and open to the public. Information: Toni Ripo at (941) 359-4586.
The university will be closed on Nov. 11 to observe the holiday.
n Mount Vernon Veterans Club meets 9 a.m. today at Clubhouse 4701 Independence Drive, Bradenton.
n The student body and staff at Braden River Middle School, 6515 River Club Blvd., River Club will be on hand for the unveiling of a new commemorative veteran’s tile during a Veterans Day flag raising ceremony in the school’s courtyard beginning 9:15 a.m. Wednesday. The ceremony highlights a week-long veterans celebration at Braden River Middle. The ceremony will include a color guard, patriotic performances from the school’s band, chorus and orchestra as well as guest speakers and veterans. A breakfast for veterans, parents and special guests will follow in the school’s media center. Information: Diann Minero at 751-7080, ext. 2012.
n Members of the Kirby Stewart American Legion Post 24, including Post Commander Bill Fields, will speak at a Veterans Day ceremony at Daughtrey Preparatory School of Arts and Sciences 9 a.m. Wednesday. The program will include a history of the American flag as well as performances by Daughtrey’s Intermediate Chorus and String Ensemble. Information: Daughtrey Music and Strings Teacher Cynthia Heidel at 751-7023, ext. 2064.
n Williams Elementary School will hold a Veterans Day celebration at the school flag pole 9 a.m. Wednesday. Participants include the Palmetto High Junior ROTC Color Guard, the Williams Elementary fourth and fifth grade Select Choir and a solo by fifth-grade student Miranda Wolf. Information: Williams Registrar Debby Hampton at 776-4040, ext. 2007.
n The Women’s Resource Center of Sarasota County Inc. is celebrating the accomplishments of area women who served in the U.S. Armed Forces with a Salute to Women Veterans 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing, 7051 Wireless Court, Lakewood Ranch and guest speaker retired Navy Master Chief Mary Ann Floyd. RSVPs are required for this free community event at 366-1700.
n Gettel Toyota Collision Center, 6423 14th Street W., Bradenton, with the help of State Farm Insurance and Wheels of Success have combined their efforts and will be giving away a vehicle to a local veteran in need 2 p.m. Thursday. Prizes and gifts will also be awarded.
n Maj. Gen. Robert John Kasulke will speak at the Sarasota-Manatee Chapter, Reserve Officers Association 18th annual Veterans Day Dinner to be held at the Bird Key Yacht Club, Sarasota on Thursday. Kasulke commands the U.S. Army Reserve Medical Command, Pinellas Park. Information and reservations: Col. Ed Brown, (941) 923-9861 or edbrown9@comcast.net.
n Freedom Elementary School will hold its annual “Let Freedom Ring Courtyard” Ceremony 9 a.m. Friday. Veterans will be on hand at the ceremony along with patriotic musical performances by students and flags representing all of the U.S. Military Services. Information: Freedom Principal Jim Mennes at 708-4990.
n Veterans Honor Dinner at Country Pancake House 6-7 p.m. Friday dedicating Veterans Memorial Park San Marco Plaza, Lakewood Ranch. Information: (813) 416-8456.
n Dedication ceremony for Veterans Memorial Park set for 1 p.m. Saturday at Lakewood Ranch’s San Marco Plaza. Information: (813) 416-8456.
n Chaplain’s service set for 10 a.m. Sunday at Veterans Memorial Park at Lakewood Ranch’s San Marco Plaza. Information: (813) 416-8456.
Have a Veterans Day event that’s not listed here? Email jajones1@bradenton.com.
