Veterans Day events across SWFL for 2019

Published: Updated:
American flags. (Credit: CBS)
American flags. (Credit: CBS)

With Veterans Day quickly approaching, we have put together a list of events happening throughout Southwest Florida to honor those who have served our country.

Evangelical Christian School will be holding an event on Friday, Nov. 8 in the school gym.

  • Breakfast begins at 8:30 a.m. and the event starts at 9:15 a.m.

Community School of Naples is holding a celebration and book release event for “Through Their Eyes: The Community School of Naples Veteran Project.

  • The keynote speaker for the event will be Rear Admiral (ret) Louise C. Wilmot—the first woman to command a U.S. naval base.
  • The event will be held on Nov. 10 at 3 p.m. at the Moe Kent Family Field House.
Veteran Book Event Invitation (Community School of Naples)

Hearts & Homes for Veterans is holding a Family and Veteran Appreciation Day.

  • All veteran families with children ages 6-10 are invited to the home for lunch and to receive a school bag pack for their child filled with goodies.
  • The event will take place on Saturday, Nov. 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Vet Club of America will be holding a ceremony hosted by their honor guard on Monday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m.

  • Free lunch will follow directly after the ceremony and will include fried chicken, mac & cheese, coleslaw and baked beans.
  • After lunch, they will be raffling off the Veteran’s Basket.

The Midpoint Madness Veterans Day 5K Run/Walk will be held Monday, Nov. 11 at the Midpoint Bridge beginning at 7 p.m.

  • You must register to be a part of the 5K. All proceeds from the race will benefit the Fort Myers YMCA youth and family scholarship program.
    • Registration from now until 11/10 will cost you $30 for adults, $25 for kids and $20 for veterans with a military I.D.
    • Registration on the day of the race will cost you $35 for adults, $30 for kids and $25 for veterans with a military I.D.
  • Keep in mind, the Midpoint Bridge will be closed for three hours from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. during the event.

The South Cape Community Redevelopment Agency will be hosting a Veterans Day Parade Monday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. on Cape Coral Parkway East.

  • Special Populations will be selling red, white and blue bows to decorate the parade route and all of Cape Coral to honor our veterans. You can purchase those bows for $5 each or five for $20 by calling 239-574-0574.
South Cape Coral Veterans Day Parade (South Cape Community Redevelopment Agency)

Naples Museum of Military History is holding several events leading up to Veterans Day.

  • Friday, Nov. 8 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
    • Senator Rick Scott or staff will be at the museum answering questions to any veterans who need assistance.
  • Sunday, Nov. 10 at Noon
    • Speaker event by R.J. Del Vecchio, U.S. Marine – Vietnam War photographer: Correcting the Myths of the Vietnam War.
  • Monday, Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
    • Photo Unveiling by Neal Boortz, Jr., son of Neal Boortz Sr., Marine Corps Pilot served during WWII, Korean War and Vietnam War.
      • Neal Boortz Jr., graduated from Texas A & M and is an author, former attorney, and former syndicated radio talk show host.
    • Guest of Honor: Wayne Smith
      • Wayne graduated from Air Force Academy in 1965. He served as a pilot in Vietnam from 1966 until he was shot down on his 90th mission over North Vietnam in 1968. Wayne was held at the Hanoi Hilton for 5 years and was finally released in March 1973.
      • After the war, Wayne flew Bowing 727 for Eastern Airline for a short period of time and became executive of several very successful chemical and energy companies.
    • Guest of Honor: Art Matson
      • Art is the son of Duff Matson who severed with a group of the First Special Service Forces (FSSF) members known as the “Devil’s Brigade” during WWII. (Hollywood made the movie “the Dirty Dozen” dramatizing stories on some of the “criminal soldiers” of the unit members.) Duff Matson was the bodyguard of the FSSF commander, General Robert Frederick. The book, “the Devil’s Bodyguard” detailed his service during WWII and many successful businesses after leaving the military.
  • Both Sunday and Monday at Noon
    • “Welcome Home” – Words & Music by Singer Steve Smith

The Fort Myers River District Alliance is hosting its 6th Annual Veterans Day Parade.

  • The parade will begin Sunday, Nov. 10 on Jackson Street at the American Legion and will continue through Jackson Street, Main Street and First Street of downtown, ending with a commemorative program in front of the SBDAC.
  • Guests are invited to line the streets to view the parade starting at 1 p.m.

The Bonita Bay Veterans Golf Classic will be held Monday, Nov. 11 at 26660 Country Club Drive, Bonita Springs, beginning at 1 p.m.

  • The entry fee is $185 a person.
  • For more information, call Valerie Gorman at 239-287-3073.

The City of Bonita Springs will be holding a Veterans Day Service on Monday, Nov. 11 at Riverside Park beginning at 11 a.m.

  • For more information please call City Hall at (239) 949 6262

Pelican’s Nest Golf Club is hosting its 4th Annual Home Base Golf Tournament on Monday, Nov. 11.

  • The event will benefit veterans and their families in SWFL.
  • Registration begins at 10 a.m., the opening ceremony begins at 11 a.m. and the shotgun start will begin at 11:30 a.m.
    • Entering the tournament will cost you $200
  • An outdoor reception will follow the tournament with appetizers, wine, beer and soft drinks.

The Village of Estero is presenting a Concert Celebration in the Park to honor our veterans, active military, first responders and gold star parents.

  • The event will be on Saturday, Nov. 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Estero Community Park.
  • There will be a free concert, free food and fun for kids. Patriotic and pop music will be performed by Estero Concert Artist Lindsey Graham.
Village of Estero Veterans Day celebration (Village of Estero)

FREE HAIRCUTS: Wiseguys Barbershops in Port Charlotte are doing free haircuts Monday for Veterans Day till 2 p.m.

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