Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Marion County Public Schools will continue the tradition of honoring local military heroes with two Veterans Day Ceremonies.
The in-person ceremony will be held Wednesday, Nov. 11 beginning at 11 a.m. at the Marion County Veterans Park on S.E. Fort King Street and S.E. 25th Avenue. The ceremony will serve as Marion County’s official Veterans Day celebration and this year marks the 14th consecutive year the school district has provided the community service.
But those attending can expect this year’s event to look different. The in-person ceremony will be scaled back and include a Color Guard presentation by West Port High School’s JROTC, music from the Belleview High School jazz band, student essays, a family wreath presentation and a 21-gun salute by the Ocala Police Department, among other things.
Those attending the in-person ceremony should bring their own seating and follow COVID-19 safety precautions that may include safe social distancing and wearing face coverings.
Thousands of students normally visit the Marion County Veterans Park to participate in person but this year, that plan has changed. Students and employees, along with the entire community, can watch a virtual ceremony featuring students from around Marion County on the district’s YouTube channel (MCPSmedia) and the Marion Education Channel, available on Cox 12 and Comcast 99, along with a handful of local cable systems.
This virtual ceremony also starts at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11 and will include a West Port High School JROTC Color Guard presentation, Hillcrest students sharing the Pledge of Allegiance, music from the Belleview High School band and Forest High School chorus, a Missing Man table presentation by Belleview High’s JROTC team, essays from students at Hammett Bowen Jr. Elementary and much more.