Suncoast Veterans Day Events 2022: Parades, Ceremonies, Camping, Golf

SARASOTA-BRADENTON, FL — If you’re looking to honor Veterans Day in Sarasota and Manatee counties, there are a number of events scheduled — from parades and breakfasts to masses and ceremonies.

Veterans Day Concert

Venice High School students in the wind ensemble and symphonic band will combine to perform a variety of patriotic music at a Veterans Day concert Thursday, 7 p.m., at the Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Venice.

This concert is free and open to the public.

Sarasota Sailing Squadron breakfast

The Sarasota Sailing Squadron at 1717 Ken Thompson Pkwy. in Sarasota hosts its annual Veterans Day Breakfast on Friday, 9 to 10:30 a.m.

Veteran members are invited to join the squadron for breakfast. Donuts, juice, coffee and other treats will be served in the clubhouse.

Old Soldiers & Sailors Parade

The city of Anna Maria hosts its annual Old Soldiers & Sailors Parade on Friday, kicking off at 1 p.m.

The parade route runs from city hall to City Pier Park.

Manatee County Clerk’s Office Services

In recognition of Veteran’s Day, the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller is honoring military veterans and active-duty personnel by providing complimentary passport photos, notary services and copies throughout November.

Complimentary copies include, but are not limited to, marriage licenses, deeds and court records. This also includes certified copies.

“Our team expresses our gratitude to those who served our country to protect our freedoms,” said Angel Colonneso, Manatee County Clerk & Comptroller. “Thank you, veterans, for your service.”

Applicants must provide a valid form of identification, including a DD214 or military ID, for the waived fees.

For more information on accessing the complimentary services, call 941-749-1800.

Manatee County Veterans Council Veterans Day Program

On Friday at 11 a.m., the Manatee County Veterans Council will host its Veterans Day program at the Manatee County Administration Building in the Board of County Commissioners chamber.

This year's guest speaker will be Anthony Hardie, a veterans’ advocate and national leader related to Gulf War veterans’ health.

The invocation will be given by Edwin Robinson, chair, and the Manatee County proclamation will be read by Renee Medina, Manatee County Veterans Services division manager.

Some bench seating is available. Attendees may also bring their own lawn chair.

Veterans Day Camping Weekend

Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources hosts Veterans Day Camping Weekend Friday through Sunday at Turtle Beach Campground, 8862 Midnight Pass Road, Sarasota.

Special activities are planned throughout the weekend to honor veterans.

To sponsor a site for a veteran or to make a site reservation, call 941-861-CAMP (2267).

Sarasota Veterans Day Parade

The city of Sarasota and the Sarasota Patriotic Observance Committee will host its annual Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony on Friday.

The parade will begin at 10 a.m. at Osprey Avenue in downtown Sarasota and will move east to west on Main Street, ending at Gulfstream Avenue.

The festivities will end with an 11 a.m. ceremony at Chaplain J.D. Hamel Park at the corner of Gulfstream Avenue and Main Street, recognizing the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month when the armistice was signed in 1918, ending World War I.

This year’s parade theme is “Home of the Free because of the Brave.”

The ceremony will feature as guest speaker Dr. Thomas McElheny, a Sarasota businessman and chairperson of the Sarasota Military Academy board of directors. He served seven years as a U.S. Marine.

A presentation on the Glenn Miller project will be provided by Dr. James D’Angelo, chair of the Board of the International Midway Memorial Foundation.

The parade will include the color guards from the Sarasota Police Department, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office and Sarasota County Fire Department; antique military vehicles; students from Sarasota Military Academy, Booker, Riverview, Sarasota and Venice high schools, Sarasota Academy of the Arts and Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble; North Port Young Marines; Boy Scouts of America; Girl Scouts of the USA; and many other veterans’ groups, community organizations and local dignitaries.

For more information, contact Dan Kennedy, Patriotic Observance Committee chair, at 941-812-5406.

American Legion Veterans Day Ceremony

The American Legion NO-VEL Post 159 of Venice hosts a Veterans Day Observance and Ceremony at Patriots Park, 800 Venetia Bay Blvd., Venice, on Friday at 11 a.m.

The ceremony will include participation by veterans’ organizations in the Venice area including VFW 8118, DAV 101 and the Marine Corps League. It will include speakers and patriotic music.

The public is invited to attend. Bring chairs.

8th annual Benjamin Poppa Memorial Golf Tournament

Heroes Welcome Home hosts its annual Benjamin Poppa Memorial Golf Tournament on Nov. 19, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Tatum Ridge Golf Links, 421 Tatum Road, Sarasota.

General registration for one person is $125 and $500 for a foursome.

All funds raised will be used for veteran housing.

Diocese of Venice Catholic Memorial Mass

The Diocese of Venice hosts its annual Veterans Day ceremony and mass Friday afternoon.

Because of Tropical Storm Nicole, the mass has moved from Sarasota National Cemetery to St. Patrick Parish at 7900 Bee Ridge Road in Sarasota. Opening ceremonies start at 3:15 p.m. with mass beginning at 3:30 p.m.

About 600 people are expected to attend the event.

Manatee County’s Operation Green

Manatee County government properties are illuminated in green light through Sunday as part of Operation Green Light, a new national collaborative initiative of the National Association of Counties to support those who have served in the military.

The initiative is also designed to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by veterans and the resources available to veterans and their families at the county, state and federal levels.

“Since the tragedy of September 11, 2001, our nation’s voluntary military force members and their families, have made immense sacrifices for our safety and security over a two-decade period,” Renee Medina, division manager for Manatee County Veteran Services, said. “We want to make sure our veterans and their families know that their service mattered, that we are grateful for their sacrifices and that it is now our turn to make sure they are served by their county government and our community.”

Manatee County residents and businesses are encouraged to participate, as well, by simply changing one light bulb to green. This can be an exterior light that neighbors and passersby see or an interior light that sparks a conversation with friends.

By shining a green light, community members can let veterans know that they are seen, appreciated and supported. While this event is focused around the week of Veterans Day, participants are encouraged to keep shining the light year-round. Residents can share their participation on social media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight.

Visit Manatee County Veterans Services for more information about how to get assistance with Veterans benefits and available resources.