CLAY COUNTY – More than 28,000 active, veteran and retired military personnel living in Clay County homes make Veterans Day especially revered. 

Moreover, U.S. Congressional District 4 in Florida is ranked among the Top 5 nationally for the number of active and retired military members, U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean said. 

That’s why the Congressman accepted, with great reverence, an invitation to speak at the Family Day Celebration as part of the Veterans Day commemoration at Camp Blanding on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

“It’s important to recognize the importance of veterans,” Bean said. “We do have a very high population of veterans. At one time, out of 435 districts, we were in the top five in the number of veterans who live in the district. We are very veteran-heavy. We celebrate that fact. Any chance that I get to tell veterans thank you, Bean’s all in.” 

The event will be at the camp’s museum. The event will begin with opening remarks at 11 a.m., featuring Bean’s keynote address. Afterward, guests can explore the museum and dozens of military airplanes, vehicles, weapons, helicopters and equipment scattered around the grounds. 

There will also be vendors, displays, hot dogs and hamburgers at World War II prices. 

There is no charge to attend, and the first 100 veterans will receive a free T-shirt. 

But there are many other observations, like: 

• Clay County Veterans Council/County Commission Veterans Day 5K for Clay will be at  Oakleaf High, 4035 Plantation Oaks Drive, on Nov. 8 at 8 a.m. It will include food trucks, a ceremony, organizations that support veterans and more. 

The Veterans Day 5K for Clay is “tougher than you think.” The route includes portions of Plantation Oaks, where participants can experience Oakleaf Community Park and the State Road 23 overpass. 

The first 350 registrants receive a race T-shirt, custom race bib, chip timing, finisher medal, quality refreshments and camaraderie in the Clay County community. 

Registration starts at 6:30 a.m., followed by the opening ceremony with guest speakers at 7:20 a.m. Warmup and stretching is at 7:45, and the gun to start the race will fire at 8. 

The award and recognition ceremony will be at 9:30 a.m., followed at 10 by a Veterans Day ceremony. 

For more information, visit runsignup.com/Race/FL/OrangePark/CLAYVETERANSDAY5K. 

• Clay County-owned buildings will be dressed in green lights through Nov. 11 to show support for the country’s veterans as part of Operation Green Light for Veterans. 

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. 

Furthermore, the county encourages everyone to join in by displaying green lights 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. 

The goal is to create an unmistakable show of support for the men and women who dedicated their lives to the country’s freedoms. 

• The Orange Park Historical Society will host its annual Veterans Day Ceremony at the Orange Park Veterans Memorial at the Magnolia Cemetery, 1040 Kingsley Ave., on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. 

This year’s ceremony will feature music by the Orange Park High Choir and the First Coast Highlanders, a flyover by the Dreamland Squadron and remarks by Orange Park Police Department Chief Randy Case, Daughters of the American Revolution’s Sofia Fleming Chapter Carol Westerman and featured speaker Dr. Victor Maquera. 

Members of American Legion Post 250 will assist with the ceremony. The ceremony will also feature the winning student essays from this year’s essay contest. 

Parking will be at the First Baptist Church, one block west of the cemetery. Chairs are provided but are limited, so you may want to bring your own. 

• In support of veterans, several local businesses are offering specials and discounts for those who’ve served. 

During November, proceeds from the sale of Veterans United Alert 5 Rifleman’s Red go to help homeless veterans. Alert 5 is available at Hurricane Grill and Wings, 1810 Town Center Blvd, on Fleming Island; V Pizza and Tap Garden, 4477 U.S. Highway 17, on Fleming Island; ABC Fine Wine and Spirits, 1811 East-West Pkwy., on Fleming Island; and Broudy’s Liquors, 5000 U.S. 17, on Fleming Island. 

The project has been supported by Farah & Farah personal injury law firm. 

“We’re honored to raise a glass to those who fought for us,” said Eddie Farah, founder and managing partner of Farah & Farah. “The commitment and care that Commander Bear and the rest of the staff at Five STAR show toward veterans deserve our complete support. By ordering an Alert 5 Riflemen’s Red, the community is directly contributing to a proven and critical mission.” 

The beer’s name, "Alert 5," is a nod to the U.S. Navy’s readiness level, in which a plane is ready to launch within just five minutes, aptly symbolizing the swift and unwavering support veterans deserve. 

Additionally, Winn-Dixie will offer a 11% discount to veterans and active-duty service members on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11. 

Parent company Southeastern Grocers, together with SEG Gives Foundation in partnership with DLJ Produce, will donate five cents up to $50,000 to the USO for every pound of Razzle Dazzle Premium Grapes. 

Finally, Waters CarWash at 1785 Wells Road is offering free washes to all veterans and active-duty personnel from Nov. 9-11 as their way to show their gratitude for their service. 

To receive a complimentary car wash, a valid military ID is required.