65.9 F
Ocala
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Veterans honored in ceremonies across Ocala, Marion County

Veterans were honored throughout the city of Ocala and Marion County this Veterans’ Day.

Local law enforcement and government officials celebrated veterans this year during a series of ceremonies and events on Thursday.

On Top of the World’s local Veterans Club honored veterans through an all-day ceremony at the community’s Veterans’ Park, which is located at 9750 SW 98th Street in Ocala.

The event saw residents, club members, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and American Legion members gather at the park for a 15-minute raising of the flags ceremony, followed by an honor guard presentation by West Port high School and a presentation by a few guest speakers.

On Top of the World Communities ceremony honors veterans
Veterans were celebrated during Veterans’ Day at On Top of the World Veterans’ Park

A bake sale was held during the event, with all proceeds benefiting Operation Shoebox, a non-profit organization that sends care packages to military troops. Those care packages include items such as snacks, personal care items, and handwritten notes.

The Ocala/Marion County Veterans Park hosted a special celebration featuring JROTC and other students. Forest and West Port High School bands performed music, and a joint color guard was presented by the Ocala Police Department, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and JROTC representatives. During that ceremony at the park, which is located at 2601 E Fort King Street, multiple local government and law enforcement officials took to the podium.

In addition to attending ceremonies, Ocala Fire Rescue, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and Ocala Police Department representatives all honored their members who have served in the military through a series of social media posts.

Marion County Sheriffs Office veterans

“Pictured are some of our employees here at the MCSO that have served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces. Please join us in thanking them and all veterans for their service to this great country,” reads a post from the sheriff’s office Facebook page.

“If we counted the number of liberties and privileges we Americans enjoy thanks to our Veterans, the list would be endless. Thank you to all who served, especially those among the ranks of Ocala Fire Rescue,” reads a social media post from the city’s fire rescue team.

Local VFW Post 4209 provided entertainment and drinks to veterans during a special ceremony at the facility, which is located at 4805 NE 36th Avenue in Ocala.

In addition to law enforcement and government officials paying special note to veterans, a collection of national chain restaurants in the area offered a series of discounted services, free products, and free meals during Veterans’ Day this year. 

Do you have any