CLAY COUNTY—With more than 28,000 active, veterans and retired military personnel calling Clay County home, Veterans Day is especially revered.

During the special holiday, there are many family-friendly events around the county to commemorate veterans. Make sure to show your appreciation for their service.

County participates in Operation Green Light for veterans

CLAY COUNTY—Leaders will dress many buildings in green this week to match the emerald tones lighting the sky throughout the county. It’s all a way to show support for our country's veterans as part of Operation Green Light for Veterans, running through Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11.

It's an initiative of the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers. The goal is to let veterans know they are seen, appreciated and supported.

The county encourages everyone to join in by displaying a green light outside their home or business this week through Veterans Day. When you pass one of the lit buildings, pause momentarily and remember our nation's heroes and their incredible service and sacrifice for our great country.

Several county leaders will wear green outfits to show their solidarity at the Board of County Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 12.

Here in Clay County, pride for the country and respect for veterans runs deep. The goal is to create an unmistakable show of support for the men and women who dedicated their lives to the country’s freedoms.

 Family Day to be celebrated at Camp Blanding on Veteran’s Day

 CAMP BLANDING—Veterans and their families are invited to Camp Blanding on Friday, Nov. 11, to enjoy an afternoon of displays, presentations, ceremonies and food at World War II prices.

The festivities, inspired by former Camp Blanding Commanding Officer Matt Johnson and sponsored by the Board of County Commissioners and the Camp Blanding Museum, start at 11 a.m.

Garrison Cmdr. Lt. Col. Jason Hunt will lead the ceremony at 11 a.m. in front of the museum.

The first 100 veterans will receive a free T-shirt. Families will also be able to explore a variety of military airplanes, helicopters and vehicles and tour the museum.

Vendors will also display military wares. To top it off, cheeseburgers will cost a quarter and hot dogs a dime.

Veteran’s Day Ceremony returns to Magnolia Cemetery

 ORANGE PARK – The Historical Society of Orange Park and the Town of Orange Park invites everyone to join them at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, at its annual Veterans Day Ceremony at the Orange Park Veterans Memorial just inside the gates of the town’s historic Magnolia Cemetery, 1040 Kingsley Ave.

All are welcome to attend this moving, patriotic ceremony honoring those who bravely served our country. 

The program for this year’s recognition will include a presentation of the colors by the Orange Park High NJROTC Color Guard and musical performances by Kiley Taylor and the First Coast Highlanders. The program features inspiring words from Orange Park Vice Mayor Winette Sandlin, Judy Sweep with the Daughters of the American Revolution, and keynote speaker Kimberly Anding, USAF, Ret., Honor Flight Program Director.

Also featured will be local students who will present the winning essays in the 2024 Veterans Day Essay Contest, participation by the American Legion Post 250 Riders and a flyover by the Dreamland Squadron from Haller Airfield.

Seating is limited, so attendees are encouraged to bring their chairs. There will be no parking in the cemetery. Parking is available at the First Baptist Church lot, one block west of the cemetery at 1140 Kingsley Ave. Refreshments will be provided following the ceremony.

 Fleming Island Rotary Club to honor veterans with chili cookoff

 GREEN COVE SPRINGS—The Fleming Island Rotary Club believes nothing pays tribute to the military's service better than a hot bowl of chili, especially when it raises money for K9s for Warriors.

The organization will hold its annual Chili Cookoff at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Mangus Family Hangar, 5487 Millie Way, near the Haller Airpark.

The cost is $15 for adults and $10 for children. Children younger than 10 are admitted for free.

The event includes chili, side dishes and dessert. Beer and wine will be available, as well as music and fun. Everyone is encouraged to bring a lawn chair and sweater for the family event.

All proceeds will go to the K9s or Warriors. To register in advance, scan the barcode or visit rotaryclubfi.org/?p=events.

Veterans Council hosting 5K run, wiffle ball game in Oakleaf

OAKLEAF – The Veterans Council of Clay County will host its first 5K run and pick-up wiffle ball game at the Oakleaf Community Park on Nov. 9 at 8 a.m. to celebrate Veteran’s Day.

The park is at 3979 Plantation Oaks Blvd. The event is a collaboration between the Veterans Council and the Board of County Commissioners. Registration opens at 6:30 a.m., followed by warmup, stretching and opening ceremonies at 7:45 a.m. The 5K walk/run starts at 8 a.m., with the awards ceremony beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Awards will be presented to eight age categories for both men and women participants.

To register for the 5K, runsignup.com/Race/FL/OrangePark/Clay/Veterans5krunwalkVETSTougherthanyouthink.

The wiffle ball game will be after the awards ceremony.

 Visitors can take cellphone tour of World War I at Magnolia Cemetery

 ORANGE PARK—32 soldiers from World War I rest in Magnolia Cemetery. In honor of their service, the Historical Society of Orange Park has posted signs around the cemetery so visitors can scan QR codes to learn facts during a self-guided tour.

Through Nov. 15, signs will be posted around the cemetery with QR codes to read or hear the veteran's story in front of them. As the historical society honors these veterans, they will provide a unique view into their various workstations, assignments and battles they experienced.

The WWI veterans at Magnolia have a variety of backgrounds. Their stories have been silent for too long. Two were women. Most were sent to France and served in the U.S. Army.

Visitors can accept the challenge to participate in a scavenger hunt in the cemetery as a hands-on learning activity.

 Daughters of American Revolution hosting Veteran’s Day Ceremony

 FLEMING ISLAND – A Veteran’s Day Ceremony will be presented by Sophia Fleming Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution on Monday, Nov. 11 at 2 p.m. at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church and Hibernia Cemetery at 6874 Old Church Road. The public is cordially invited to attend.