Memorial Day And Veterans Day Observances In Jacksonville Events Ceremonies And Honors

Memorial Day and Veterans Day are significant occasions in Jacksonville, Florida, where communities gather to honor military service members who have made sacrifices for the country. In 2018, Jacksonville hosted several ceremonies and events to commemorate these holidays, including Memorial Day observances at various locations, the addition of new names to the Veterans Memorial Wall, and Veterans Day parades and activities. These events provide opportunities for residents and visitors to pay tribute to veterans and active-duty service members through solemn ceremonies, community gatherings, and special recognitions.

Memorial Day Ceremonies in Jacksonville (2018)

In 2018, Jacksonville hosted multiple Memorial Day ceremonies across different locations, allowing community members to honor fallen heroes in various parts of the First Coast. These events followed the tradition of Memorial Day, which is dedicated to remembering military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

The main Jacksonville Memorial Day ceremony took place at the Veterans Memorial Wall, located at 1145 E. Adams Street between TIAA Bank Field and the Baseball Ground of Jacksonville. This ceremony began at 8:30 a.m. and featured the addition of six new names to the wall, which already honored nearly 1,700 U.S. service members who died while on active duty. Florida Governor Rick Scott attended the downtown ceremony, and free parking was available in Lot J at the football stadium. Attendees were encouraged to wear patriotic attire to show respect for the occasion.

In St. Augustine, the city's Memorial Day observance began at 10 a.m. at the St. Augustine National Cemetery, located at 104 Marine Street. This ceremony provided another opportunity for community members to pay their respects to fallen service members.

Clay County's observance was held in Orange Park, though the location was changed due to inclement weather. The annual Memorial Day service was relocated from the Veteran's Memorial at Magnolia Cemetery to the council chambers at Town Hall, located at 2042 Park Avenue. The service began at 9 a.m. and featured several speakers, including Vice-Mayor Ron Raymond, Congressman Ted Yoho, Pastor David Tarkington, and keynote speaker SFC Charles Abraham, US Army Retired.

Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Wall and Honors

The Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Wall stands as a permanent tribute to U.S. service members who died while on active duty. In 2018, six new names were added to this memorial, bringing the total number of honored service members to nearly 1,700. These additions represented the most recent sacrifices made by military personnel from the Jacksonville area.

The six service members added to the Jacksonville Veteran's Memorial Wall in 2018 were:

1. Gabriel Antonio Fuentes, U.S. Air Force - Fuentes was stationed in Okinawa, Japan and was killed in a motorcycle crash on May 18, 2017, along with his girlfriend, who was a seaman apprentice in the Navy. Fuentes attended Atlantic Beach High School and was an airman first class who had been selected to become a senior airman. He was given the higher ranking posthumously. His uncle, Lt. Col. Jose Lebron, also a member of the U.S. Air Force, described Fuentes as having "a calling only a few are willing to accept."

The Memorial Wall serves not only as a place of remembrance but also as an inspiration for both younger and older generations. According to Naval Forces Southern Command and the U.S. 4th Fleet-Mayport, memorials like this one "stir our passions — passions that lead to action." The hope is that these memorials will inspire youth to serve in various capacities, including military service and community involvement. For older veterans, the memorial serves as a reminder to "use their experiences to educate, train and mentor — to lead by example."

Veterans Day Observances in Jacksonville

Veterans Day in Jacksonville is marked by various events and ceremonies that honor all veterans, including those who are still living. These observances provide an opportunity for the community to express gratitude for military service and sacrifice.

The Veterans Day Parade in Jacksonville is a significant annual event. In 2020, the parade started at 11:01 a.m. at North Jefferson and Water streets downtown. From there, the parade proceeded east on Water to Laura Street, then north to James Weldon Johnson Park, turned left on Duval Street, and then left on another street. The parade featured over 4,000 participants and was presented by The Law Offices of Ron Sholes, P.A. The patriotic celebration encouraged attendees to wear red, white, and blue to show their support for veterans and active-duty service members.

Jacksonville's Military Affairs & Veterans Department has collaborated with the Vet Center of Jacksonville to display art created by local veterans in City Hall. The artwork presented in the atrium was part of the Vet Center's art therapy classes, providing veterans with a means of expression and the community with an opportunity to appreciate their creative talents.

Another notable Veterans Day event mentioned in the source data was at Another Broken Egg Cafe, which offered a free Patriot French Toast Combo and coffee on November 11 to veterans. However, it's important to note that restaurants may require proof of service to redeem such offers.

Purple Heart Recognition in Atlantic Beach

The City of Atlantic Beach, part of the Jacksonville metropolitan area, has taken special steps to recognize veterans who have been wounded or killed in military service. In 2018, Atlantic Beach was designated a "Purple Heart City" by the Military Order of the Purple Heart. This Congressionally chartered organization supports combat-wounded veterans and works to ensure that Americans never forget the sacrifices made by U.S. military personnel.

To earn this designation, a municipality must have a living or deceased Purple Heart recipient, issue an official proclamation, and recognize National Purple Heart Day. The City of Atlantic Beach also supports the Consolidated City of Jacksonville's annual Purple Heart Day observance.

The Purple Heart is the United States military's oldest military decoration, dating back to 1782. It is awarded to members of the armed forces of the United States who have been wounded or killed while serving in the line of duty with the U.S. military after April 5, 1917.

Atlantic Beach has also shown its support for veterans through other initiatives, including the publication of "A Purple Heart Christmas" in 2022. This book, written by 12-year-old Atlantic Beach resident Taylor Saloreno, was based on a little girl's wish to spend Christmas with her great-grandfather, who was a World War II Purple Heart recipient named Pat Carmody.

In a practical demonstration of support, the City of Atlantic Beach has established a Veteran-only parking space in front of City Hall at Jack Russell Park. This space is intended to provide convenience for veterans, particularly older ones or those with service-connected injuries, including "invisible disabilities" like PTSD that can make navigating crowded parking lots challenging. The city encourages non-veterans to respectfully leave this space open for those who served.

Veterans Discounts and Recognition Programs

While Jacksonville doesn't offer specific Memorial Day freebies, various businesses and organizations provide discounts and special offers to veterans, particularly around Veterans Day. These programs serve as a way to thank veterans for their service and provide them with opportunities to enjoy activities and services at reduced costs.

The 9/11 Memorial and Museum offers free admission throughout their Salute to Service period, which runs from November 7 through 11, to active and retired U.S. military personnel, veterans, and Blue & Gold Star families.

The Harley-Davidson Museum provides free admission on November 11 to veterans and active-duty military personnel, along with one adult guest and up to four children under 18, with valid military ID.

Colonial Williamsburg offers free admission from November 7 through 11 to all active-duty military, reservists, retirees, veterans, National Guardsmen, and their immediate dependents.

To access these Veterans Day discounts, most businesses require proof of military service. Active duty military members, reservists, and National Guard members can typically use their military ID cards. Veterans who receive Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health benefits can use their VA benefits photo ID card as proof of veteran status. Those without a VA benefits card can obtain a Veterans ID Card from the VA.

Conclusion

Jacksonville demonstrates its commitment to honoring military service members through various Memorial Day and Veterans Day observances, memorial installations, and recognition programs. While the city doesn't offer specific Memorial Day freebies, it provides meaningful opportunities for community members to pay tribute to those who have served and sacrificed. From ceremonies at the Veterans Memorial Wall to the annual Veterans Day Parade, Jacksonville creates spaces for remembrance, gratitude, and celebration of military service. The designation of Atlantic Beach as a Purple Heart City and the establishment of veteran-only parking spaces further illustrate the community's dedication to supporting veterans. These observances and programs, combined with discounts offered by businesses, contribute to a culture of appreciation and respect for military service members in Jacksonville and the surrounding areas.

Sources

1. Memorial Day Ceremonies Around Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Green Cove Springs
2. World AIDS Day Memorial Service 2018
3. 6 More Names Added to Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Wall
4. Military-Veterans Appreciation
5. Veterans Day Coverage
6. Veterans Day Military Discounts