Veterans Day events

By Times Staff Writer
Published November 9, 2007

The following events and programs have been scheduled in observance of Veterans Day:

- The 2007 Veterans Appreciation Parade will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in downtown Brooksville. The parade lineup will be at 8:30 a.m. in the parking lot behind Brooksville City Hall, 201 Howell Ave. There is no cost to participate. Participants will include the Hernando High School Band; JROTC units from Springstead, Central and Hernando high schools; Young Marines and Marine Corps League Detachment 708; the Hernando Sportsman's Club's military vehicles; Operation Pride; American Legion Post 99; state and local dignitaries, and others. Following the parade will be a performance by the Hernando Youth Symphony in the open courtyard between the government center and courthouse buildings, 20 N Main St. Call Anna Liisa Covell at 544-0680.

- The Florida in World War II traveling exhibit will make its Hernando County debut Saturday, coinciding with the 2007 Veterans Appreciation Parade in downtown Brooksville. A ribbon cutting will be at 11:15 a.m. at the Hernando County Government Center, 20 N Main St, The government center will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The traveling exhibit, made available by the Museum of Florida History, presents an overview of this time in Florida history. Topic areas include the home front, military training in Florida, the German U-boat threat and Floridians in military service. The exhibit will be on display in the government center through January. For information, call the Hernando County Tourism Bureau at 754-4405.

- Florida National Cemetery's annual Veterans Day Ceremony will be at 11 a.m. Sunday. The cemetery is at 6502 SW 102nd Ave. (Exit 309 off Interstate 75), near Bushnell. The speaker will be William F. Tuerk, undersecretary for memorial affairs with the Department of Veterans Affairs. The ceremony will include the Avenue of Flags displayed along cemetery roadways, a patriotic and inspirational musical prelude, the Hernando High School Band, singers Linda Burnette and Laura Riley, Naomi McClain on the bagpipes, and taps performed by VFW members Garfield Jones and Gayle Williams. The Florida National Guard will perform a gun salute. Veterans organizations wishing to participate in the massing of colors should arrive by 8:30 a.m. Spectators may bring lawn chairs or blankets. Call the cemetery at (352) 793-7740.

- Dinner for military families at American Legion Post 99, 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, 208 E Fort Dade Ave., Brooksville. This time it's a chance for the less fortunate to say thanks to veterans. Anyone who's hungry is welcome. Call John at 428-5947 or Tim at 585-1096.

- VFW Post 9236 and Ladies Auxiliary will host their annual Veterans Day service at 11 a.m. Sunday at the post, 3435 Shoal Line Blvd., Hernando Beach. A Gold Star Mothers banner will be presented to Dee Mills of Masaryktown, whose son, Sgt. Lea Mills, was killed while serving with the 1st Marine Division in Iraq. An explanation of the Gold Star Banner and what it represents will be given, and Mills will offer details of the charity that was established in her son's honor. Also, U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite will present a plaque to Mills. Refreshments will be served after the program. For information, call the post at 596-9236.

- Polish American Social Club will host a "Salute to Veterans" dinner dance Sunday at the club, 7615 New Jersey Ave., Hudson. Doors open at 12:15 p.m. The dinner entree choice is breaded pork chops or baked chicken,w hich will be served from 12:45 to 2:15 p.m. An honor guard will be present and awards will be presented. Veterans should register for recognition in the ceremonies (call one of the numbers below). Dancing to the Music Blenders will follow the Salutes from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $11 for members and $12 for nonmembers and guests. To guarantee menu choice, make reservations. Call Marcella at 597-5908, Phyllis at 688-6385 or Mary at (727) 841-8395.

[Last modified November 8, 2007, 20:13:44]