64.3 F
Ocala
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Over 1,000 students participating in Veterans Day ceremony

Over 1,000 students from Marion County public schools are expected to participate in the county’s official Veterans Day program next Thursday, November 11.

According to a Marion County Public Schools press release, this will be the 15th consecutive year that Marion County Public Schools has presented the community’s official Veterans Day ceremony.

The event takes place at the Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park (Southeast Fort King Street and Southeast 25th Avenue) at 11 a.m. This is the official ceremony for the park.

Pre-ceremony entertainment begins at 10:45 a.m.

The event is open to the public. Due to parking concerns, it is recommended to arrive early. Limited bleacher seating is available, and those in attendance are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.

The program includes opening comments from Superintendent Dr. Diane Gullet. Music will be performed by student groups from Forest and West Port High Schools.

Students from Hillcrest School will lead the Pledge of Allegiance, and students from Hammet Bowen Jr. Elementary (named after Marion County’s only Medal of Honor recipient) will recognize veterans for their service with spoken essays.

A joint color guard from the Ocala Police Department and Marion County Sheriff’s Office will lead the Parade of Colors and post for the ceremony.

Junior ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) units from Dunnellon, Forest, Lake Weir, North Marion, Vanguard, and West Port High Schools will participate.

Local families who have lost loved ones to military service will present a memorial wreath in their honor.

The ceremony also includes both a cannon and 21-gun salute, along with additional patriotic musical tributes.

This year’s event will air live on the Marion Education Channel and the district’s YouTube Channel (MCPSmedia).