Observed on Nov.11, Veterans Day gives us an opportunity to honor the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. Here are a few Veterans Day celebrations happening in Central Florida.
The First Academy
The First Academy, a private, Christian school serving Central Florida families, will hold its Annual Veterans Day Celebration on Nov.10 at 10:00 am in the Worship Center at First Orlando (3000 South John Young Parkway Orlando, FL 32805).
The celebration will feature the Presentation of Colors by the United States Army Color Guard, patriotic music by a 100-voice Lower School Choir, and the Middle and Upper School Chorus. There will also be multimedia presentations to salute the nation’s heroes.
Event speakers include the Wounded Warrior Club officers, Lt. General Benjamin Mixon (Ret.), Staff Sgt Giunta, and First Orlando Senior Pastor Dr. David Uth. Continental breakfast will be provided for all veterans and spouses at no cost prior to the celebration at 8:45 am in Faith Hall.
THE VENUE ON LAKE LILY
The Venue on Lake Lily will host Maitland Veterans’ Salute on Nov.10 from 5-9 pm to honor local Veterans and their families. The program will feature a special performance, guest speaker and savory bites.
Performing Arts Matter (PAM) is returning as the music sponsor for the annual event featuring the Maitland Symphony Orchestra (MSO). To honor all Veterans, the concert will feature patriotic selections known to all and led by Associate Conductor Dale Burket.
Guest speaker Alexandra Nass, founder of Command K9 Service Dogs, will shareher journey to provide professional service dog training for disabled veterans and assist with their individual needs. Guests will also enjoy dinner, drinks and dessert provided by Sonny’s BBQ and the Maitland Men’s Club will serve its well-known beef brisket and corn on the cob to accompany Sonny’s offerings.
Tickets are $5 per adult, $2 per child under age 10. All Veterans are FREE. Space is limited. Tickets may be purchased by calling 407-647-2111 or online at venueonlakelily.com.
Lake Nona
Lake Nona will wrap up the fall season with its third annual Lake Nona Veterans Day celebration. Called Home of the Brave, the event will take place on Nov.11 in the Lake Nona Town Center. Guests can enjoy the Patriotic Parachute Team, illuminated by red and blue flares, descend from the sky followed by the Honors Ceremony featuring special guests and local elected officials. The night will end with performances to salute each branch of the armed forces.
City of Orlando
The City of Orlando will host the 23rd annual City of Orlando Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 12 from 11-1 pm. This year’s parade will open with a tribute to veterans, led by Mayor Dyer and local veterans. The parade’s theme is celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAACs) and Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVEs).
The opening ceremony will take place at Orange Avenue near Central Boulevard. The parade will begin at Robinson Street and Orange Avenue, turning left on Central Boulevard, left on Rosalind Avenue and ending at Robinson Street.