Communities across Okaloosa County are organizing multiple events to honor veterans during the Veterans Day weekend, featuring ceremonies, parades, and special performances.
FORT WALTON BEACH
The Veterans Tribute Tower Committee will host a ceremony at Beal Memorial Cemetery on Monday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. The event brings together service members from multiple nations, featuring Eglin 96th Test Wing Commander Brig. Gen. Mark A. Massaro as guest speaker.
The ceremony includes participation from Royal Navy Commander Chris Wilcox and members of his command, along with military members from Great Britain, Canada, and Australia stationed at Eglin Air Force Base as they celebrate Remembrance Day.
- In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will move to American Legion Post 235, located at 105 Hollywood Boulevard NW.
The weekend’s events begin with a special concert at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, 110 St Mary Ave SW, on Sunday, November 10, at 3 p.m. Dr. David Ott will conduct both the Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus and the David Ott Singers, celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Veterans Tribute Tower and Its Freedom Bell Casting and Dedication from 2014.
The free concert continues the tradition of twice-yearly performances dedicated “To Those Who Serve,” with donations benefiting Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida, the Salvation Army of Okaloosa and Walton County, and The Air Force Enlisted Village Bob Hope and its Hawthorn House assisted living facility.
MARY ESTHER
The city’s 26th Annual Veterans Day Event returns on Monday, November 11, running from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The celebration includes food trucks and various activities throughout the day. The Veterans Day Parade begins at 1 p.m. on Page Bacon Road, turning right on Mary Esther Boulevard, right on Hollywood Boulevard, and ending at the southwest entrance to the Santa Rosa Mall.
- A highlight of the parade will be the Fort Walton Beach High School Viking Band. The band’s performance continues their series of military tributes as they prepare for their upcoming appearance at the Military Bowl in Annapolis this December.
CRESTVIEW
VFW Post 5450 will host the city’s Veterans Day celebrations on Monday, November 11. The day begins with a parade at 9 a.m. on South Main Street, followed by a ceremony at the Memorial Wall in Downtown Crestview at exactly 11:11 a.m. Col. David Johnson, CRNA, DNAP, NC, will serve as the guest speaker for the ceremony.
DESTIN
HarborWalk Village will host a special ceremony honoring those who have served, featuring a performance by Reid Soria with Autism Sings LLC and a presentation of colors by the Eglin Honor Guard. The event includes honorary speakers and a Veteran-Owned Business Market, with live music beginning at 5 p.m.
A Veterans Benefit Car & Truck Show will take place on November 10 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Destin Walmart. The $35-per-entry event supports Building Homes For Heroes and Post 296 Veteran Outreach, with proceeds split equally between the organizations.
- BHFH has built multiple free homes in the area, including homes for an EOD Army Sergeant who lost his sight and a USAF MSgt who lost both legs and an arm. The show, sponsored by American Legion Post 296 and Sons of the American Legion, includes public choice judging, trophies, a 50/50 drawing, and auto door prizes. While entry fees apply to participants, the event is free for public attendance.
NICEVILLE
The city launches its first-ever Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, Nov. 9, at 10 a.m. The inaugural event will wind through the streets of Niceville as a tribute to veterans and their families.
- The parade will follow the established Christmas Parade route, beginning at the John Sims Parkway and Palm Boulevard intersection, turning right on Partin Drive and ending near Ruckel Middle School.
City officials have extended an invitation to all community members to attend and show their support for those who have served the country.
