Flagler County will host a blended Veterans Day Ceremony at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 11, beginning at the historic Coquina City Hall in Bunnell.
The Flagler County Board of County Commissioners, the City of Bunnell, the City of Flagler Beach, the Town of Beverly Beach, the Town of Marineland, and the City of Palm Coast are inviting residents to attend the event.
The day will start with the 3rd Annual Veterans Parade to honor men and women who served in the country’s military.
“This will be a truly wonderful day because of the partnerships with our cities, county veterans, and our residents,” said Veterans Services Officer David Lydon. “On behalf of the Flagler County Veterans Advisory Council, we would like to welcome everyone to attend.”
The parade will travel east on Moody Boulevard and conclude at the Government Services Building, where the traditional ceremony will begin around 11 a.m. Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Dave Freeman, who is also Chief of Operations for Flagler Schools, will serve as grand marshal of the parade and deliver the keynote speech at the ceremony.
Freeman served between 1983 and 2004 and was called back to active duty after retirement between 2006 and 2008. He earned numerous medals, including the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (two awards), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal (six awards), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Iraq Campaign Medal.
During the ceremony, the “Flagler County Colonel Gary E. DeKay Veteran of the Year” award recipient will be announced.
The Flagler County Historical Society is sponsoring two professional photographers to take digital portraits of veterans at the Government Services Building. Family, friends, and pets are welcome to join veterans in their portraits. Veterans are asked to wear their uniform or a favorite cap or vest.
An online registration form for the veterans portraits is available at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/veterans-free-portaits, but the form will also be available on site Veterans Day. Pictures will be taken from 10 a.m. until about noon.
This year’s Veterans Day event is sponsored by Flagler County, the City of Bunnell, the City of Palm Coast, and the Flagler County Veterans Advisory Council. A small committee of citizens, volunteers, and city and county employees are organizing the parade.
“Veterans Day is an opportunity for all of us to come together in a show of respect and appreciation for the brave men and women who served our country,” said Parade Chair David Brannon. “It is an honor to host this parade and ceremony, and we invite everyone to join in this meaningful celebration.”
