Written by: Julie Murphy, PIO, MPIO
Public Affairs Specialist
PIO | Publications
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 invite residents to gather for a blended Veterans Day Ceremony at 10 a.m. Wednesday, November 11, that begins at the historic Coquina City Hall in Bunnell.
The day’s events will kick off with the 4th Annual Veterans Parade to honor the men and women who bravely served in the country’s military. The theme of this year’s parade recognizes the 250th Anniversary of the United States.
“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 about 11 a.m. Retired U.S. Army Col. Randall Conway – who is also President of the Flagler Sons of the American Revolution – will be the grand marshal of the parade and will be the keynote speaker at the ceremony.
Conway served 26 years in the Army Signal Corps (1980-2006), most of which was spent in special operations units. The following is a further breakdown of his duties: 1982-1986 10th Special Forces Group Airborne; 1986-1989 3-75 Ranger Regiment; 1989-1992 112th Signal Battalion; 1992 Special Forces Command; 1993-1997 Joint Special Operations Command; 1997-1999 10th Mountain Division; 1999-2000 Army Staff (Pentagon); 2001-2003 Joint Staff (Pentagon); 2003-2006 Office of Secretary of Defense Staff (Pentagon).
At the ceremony, the “Flagler County Colonel Gary E. DeKay Veteran of the Year” award recipient will also be announced.
This year’s Veterans Day event is sponsored by Flagler County, its municipalities, and the Flagler County Veterans Advisory Council.
A small committee of citizens, volunteers, as well as city and county employees are the driving force behind 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,” Parade Chair David Brannon said. “It is an honor to host this parade and ceremony, and we invite everyone to join in this meaningful celebration.”
