The tradition of celebrating the men and women who served in the United States armed forces will continue in Clermont on Saturday, Nov. 11 with a parade and a special program at Waterfront Park.
The parade will begin at 9 a.m. and travel down Osceola Street to Waterfront Park where the celebration will continue with a special program at the Clermont’s Highlander Pavilion.
Highly decorated, 30-year United States Marine Corps. Sgt. Major Collin Cotterell will share his thoughts and experiences as the keynote speaker. The program will also recognize local outstanding veterans Lt. Daniel Keel and Master Sgt. Frank Klum and present “Quilts of Valor” which represent “selfless service and sacrifice in defense of our nation”.
The purpose of the Veteran's Day tribute is to honor the men and women who have served our nation to ensure our ongoing freedom and security, explained Robert Mock, CTMCM (SS), USN, Retired and a member of the South Lake Florida Base – SubVets.
November 11 is designated to celebrate Veterans because the armistice that ended World War I took effect on the “11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.” This celebration is different from Memorial Day, which is observed in May and honors veterans who lost their lives serving.
The South Lake Florida Base, USSVI, Inc. (SubVets) joined forces with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 5277, the American Legion Post 55, the Clermont Sea Cadets Battalion, the Navy South East Band and the City of Clermont to organize and deliver the program, complete with a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps.
The Daughters of the American Revolution will be accepting monetary gifts and personal items for Operation Shoebox and the Marine Corps League will be accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots.
For more event details, contact Robert Mock (352-536-9964) or Robert Farrell (352-250-2052).
