Multiple nonprofits, military and charitable organizations will hold a 2024 South Georgia and North Florida Veterans Day Celebration on Monday, Nov. 11.
On Friday, Nov. 8, the first event will run from 9 to 10:45 a.m. as veterans will share experiences in the classrooms with students and the Caring and Sharing Learning School located at 1951 SE 4th St. in Gainesville.
A breakfast is planned from 8:30 to 10:15 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, at the MLK Center located at 1028 NE 14th St. in Gainesville. During the breakfast, veterans and members of Gold Star families will speak of their experiences, followed by a youth dance group to entertain the audience.
Several military-affiliated organizations have also been invited to attend the breakfast and provide information relating to veterans’ benefits. The breakfast cost for non-veterans is $15 and the event is open to the public. Veterans will eat for free.
Also on Monday from 10:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., an armed forces equipment display with face painting, music, games, horseback riding and performances will take place at Citizens Field and the MLK Center. At midday, there will be a March Down Show featuring the Divine 9.
The purpose of the events is to educate the public on the sacrifices made by veterans, along with providing information related to benefits associated with health care, insurance, housing, supporting the homeless, education, counseling, employment opportunities, retirement and helping veterans and their families in filing disability claims for symptoms identified in the new PACT-ACT.