Veterans Day, observed on Nov. 11, is the day set aside to thank and honor those who served honorably in the military.
Here are some of the ways to celebrate veterans around Brevard. Due to potential changes and cancellations, we encourage you to check with presenting organizations about the status of their events.
Veterans Open House at Valiant Air Command
Valiant Air Command, 6600 Tico Road, Titusville, hosts an open house on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 9 and 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The weekend will include historical fun, jaw-dropping aircraft spectacles, book signings and more. All active military and veterans receive free admission. Florida residents can also receive free admission by bringing a canned food donation. Call 321-268-1941 or visit valiantaircommand.com.
Veterans Day parade and celebration in Palm Bay
The City of Palm Bay hosts a Veterans Day parade and celebration on Saturday, Nov. 9. The parade starts at 10 a.m. at the Tony Rosa Community Center, 1502 Port Malabar Blvd. NE, Palm Bay, before heading to the Veterans Memorial Park, 2201 Port Malabar Blvd. NE. The grand marshals will be the Gold Star Family of SSgt. Tristen K. Wright, his parents Ricky and Novolia Wright and his sister Demyia Biggs. The celebration will take place at Veterans Memorial Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 321-952-3443 or visit palmbayflorida.org.
Veterans Day Parade in Cape Canaveral
Canaveral VFW Post 10131 and American Legion Post 349 host a Veterans Day parade in Cape Canaveral on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 11:10 a.m. The parade route starts and ends at the Nancy Hanson Recreational Complex, 7300 N Atlantic Ave., Cape Canaveral. The event will also include live music, food and beverages. Call 321-960-3262, email S76pilot@aol.com or visit cityofcapecanaveral.org.
DASH in Life 5K on Merritt Island
St. Francis Reflections hosts the DASH in Life 5K, which will take place on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 8 a.m. at Brevard Veterans Memorial Center, 400 S. Sykes Creek Pkwy, Merritt Island. Service animals are the only pets permitted. The event is open to all ages. Stay after the race to celebrate the veterans in attendance with a special pinning ceremony. The fee is $28, or $23 for ages 12 and younger. Visit runsignup.com.
Free admission for veterans at Brevard Zoo
This Veterans Day weekend, military members and veterans will receive free admission to Brevard Zoo, 8225 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne. This offer is valid from November 9 to 11. If a service member is deployed overseas, the zoo will admit their spouse at no charge. Family members also receive $5 off onsite admission prices. Proof of military service is required to claim this promotion, which may not be combined with any other offers. Call 321-254-9453 or visit brevardzoo.org.
Home Stretch 5K in Eau Gallie
The Home Stretch 5K for Homeless and At-Risk Vets will be at Eau Gallie Square on Sunday, Nov. 10 at 8 a.m. Proceeds will benefit National Veterans Homeless Support. The cost is $30, or $25 for ages 17 and younger. Visit runsignup.com or nvhs.org.
Veterans Day ceremony on Merritt Island
Celebrate and honor veterans with a ceremony at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center, 400 S. Sykes Creek Pkwy, Merritt Island, on Monday, Nov. 11 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. The theme of this year’s event will be “Veterans Pride in America.” Many resources will be available for veterans and their families. Following the ceremony, take a tour of the military museum. Call 321-453-1776 or visit veteransmemorialcenter.org.
‘Tribute to Veterans’ concert and fundraiser
Unity Church of Merritt Island, 210 N. Tropical Trail, hosts the event on Tuesday, Nov. 12 from 6 to 9 p.m. It will include a speech by Don Pearsall, patriotic sing-along, refreshments, a silent auction and music by Steve Kirchner, the Joy Band and Art Edwards. Proceeds will benefit organizations including Wreaths Across America and Space Coast Honor Flight. The suggested donation is $10, along with non-perishable food and new or gently used clothing. Call 321-453-4253 or visit facebook.com/UnityOfMerrittIsland or unitymerrittisland.org.
Bicycle bar tour for homeless veterans
Madhatter Promotions will host a bicycle bar tour for ages 21 and older from Port Canaveral to Cocoa Beach and back on Saturday, Nov. 16 from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The event will start at 11 a.m. at Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill, 610 Glen Cheek Drive, Cape Canaveral, before proceeding south to La Cantina at noon, Tiny Tavern at 12:45 p.m., Sandbar Sports Grill at 1:30 p.m., Cocoa Beach Fish Camp Grill at 3 p.m., Slide Inn at 4 p.m., Ellie Mae’s at 5 p.m. and Carib Brewery at 5:45 p.m. The total bicycle trip will be 9.5 miles. Tickets for eight drinks are $25 in advance or $35 at the event. Participants are asked to bring donations of nonperishable food items, clothing and hygiene items to benefit homeless veterans. Call 321-543-1346 or visit madhatterpromotions.com.
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Christina LaFortune is the Entertainment and TGIF Editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/christinalafortune or send her an email at clafortune@floridatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Veterans Day 2024: Here’s where to celebrate in Brevard
