Hundreds of students from Marion County Public Schools will show their support for local veterans by leading, participating in, and attending the county’s official Veterans Day Ceremony on Friday, November 10.
The upcoming ceremony will mark the 17th year in a row that Marion County Public Schools (MCPS) has presented the annual Veterans Day event.
The ceremony has an 11 a.m. start time and will take place at the Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park, which is located at the intersection of SE Fort King Street and SE 25th Avenue.
The event is open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to arrive early due to parking concerns. Those in attendance are also encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs as seating will be limited.
This year’s program will include opening comments from Superintendent Dr. Diane Gullet, and live music will be provided by students from Shady Hill Elementary School, Howard Middle School, and Forest High School.
Students from Hillcrest School will lead the Pledge of Allegiance. In addition, students from Hammet Bowen Jr. Elementary, which is named after Marion County’s only Medal of Honor recipient, will recognize veterans for their service with spoken essays.
MCPS teachers who also served in the military will recognize the first-ever Joint Service Branch Color Guard, which is comprised of MCPS students – all high school cadets enrolled in Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) programs. They will lead the event and post colors for the ceremony, and a special precision drill team performance will also showcase JROTC cadets.
The family of Army Specialist Robert E. Blair, a Lake Weir High School graduate who died in the Iraq war, will present a wreath honoring him and all local veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
The ceremony will also include a 21-gun and cannon salute, vintage airplane flyover, and additional patriotic tributes.
This year’s Veterans Day event will be available on the Marion County Public Schools YouTube Channel following the conclusion of the live event.