Monroe County government offices will close on Wednesday, Nov. 11, to observe Veterans Day. Across the Florida Keys, a variety of community events and ceremonies have been scheduled throughout the day to honor local Veterans.
Monroe County Veterans Affairs and the City of Key West will jointly host a Veterans Day Ceremony to recognize and honor all Veterans. The event will feature a wreath-laying tribute at 11 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Garden in Key West’s Bayview Park. The Florida Keys Sea Cadets will lead the presentation of colors.
Simultaneously in the Upper Keys, Monroe County Veterans Affairs and VFW Post 10211 will hold a joint Veterans Day Ceremony at the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo. Attendees will hear patriotic selections performed by the Key Largo Community Band, with Boy Scout Crew 914 presenting the colors.
Additional regional events include:
American Legion Post 154 will present a Veterans Day parade in Marathon starting at 11 a.m. The route begins at 20th Street, executes a U-turn at the 107th Street traffic light, and finishes at the American Legion at 4115 Overseas Hwy. A post-parade ceremony will commence at the American Legion building at approximately noon.
Islamorada Fire Rescue Station 20 will host a Veterans Day ceremony at 11 a.m. at 81850 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada.
Later in the afternoon, representatives from Monroe County Veterans Affairs and other county staff members will march in the Key West Veterans Day Parade at 4 p.m. Moving along Duval Street, the community is encouraged to line the route to support and thank participating veterans.
As long as it is working, Sloppy Joe’s will provide a live-stream broadcast of the Duval Street parade online here: https://liveduvalstreet.com.
Veterans Day marks the historical conclusion of World War I, which took effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. Today, the federal holiday honors all honorably discharged individuals who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
“Veterans Day is an opportunity for our community to come together and recognize the courage, commitment, and sacrifices of the men and women who have served our country,” said Monroe County director of community services Cathy Crane. “We are honored to celebrate their service, remember their contributions, and ensure that future generations understand the importance of the freedoms they helped protect.”
