Veterans Day at the Camp Blanding Museum

The event not only supports the museum at the primary training site for most of the Florida National Guard and the biggest training base during World War II for the Asian Theater, but it also honors the men and women of the military.

And to highlight the significance of the base’s history, food will be priced at World War II levels – 25 cents for a cheeseburger and 10 cents for a hot dog. Chips and drinks also will be sold with discounts.

Green Cove Springs City Councilman and former Camp Blanding Camp Commander Matt Johnson started the ceremony in 2021. He still serves as the museum’s president.

Activities will include more activities for children, Johnson said. In addition to touring the museum, children can play in Bounce Houses and crawl over and through military equipment.

“It feels very satisfying that we have an opportunity to educate the community about the military,” Johnson said. “It’s nice to bring the family to see the museum. We can all celebrate veterans together. It’s important for families because it educates the next generation on how veterans have served this country.”

The first 100 active or retired veterans will get a free T-shirt from the museum. Penney Farms Retirement Community said several World War II veterans will join the ceremony.

The base is on State Road 16, just west of State Road 21.

Veterans to be recognized with wreath-laying service at Magnolia Cemetery

ORANGE PARK – The Historical Society of Orange Park and the Town of Orange Park invite residents to join the town’s much-beloved Veterans Day Ceremony at the Orange Park Veterans Memorial at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11.

The memorial is located inside the gates of the town’s historic Magnolia Cemetery, directly across the street from Clarke House Park on Kingsley Avenue.

The solemn ceremony honors America’s veterans as part of this national holiday. The community gathers to thank the men and women of the Armed Forces for their service.

The program will include a wreath-laying by Orange Park Mayor Randy Anderson, and a presentation of the colors by the Orange Park High Navy JROTC Color Guard and the First Coast Highlanders.

The Keynote Speaker this year will be Capt. Ed Turner, Executive Director of the National POW/MIA Memorial and Museum at Cecil Field. Also included will be local students who have written winning essays in the 2023 Veterans Day Essay Contest, along with participation by the American Legion Post 250 Riders and the Sofia Fleming Chapter of the DAR, as well as a flyover by the Dreamland Squadron from Haller Airfield.

Parking for the ceremony will be at the First Baptist Church of Orange Park at 1140 Kingsley Ave., a short walk from the memorial.

American Legions, VFWs to conduct various ceremonies

CLAY COUNTY – Veterans organizations will pay homage to the men and women who have, and still, serve in the military, including:

• American Legion Post 202 will host a Veterans Day Event at 11 a.m. at Keystone Beach at 565 S. Lawrence Blvd.

• American Legion Post 250 will conduct its Veterans Day Ceremony at 1 p.m., followed by a luncheon at 2609 Black Creek Dr. in Middleburg.

• VFW Post 8255 of Middleburg will host a Veterans Day Ride benefiting soldiers freedom at 9 a.m. at 2296 Astor Ave. Cost is $30 a rider and $20 for a passenger. Registration opens at 9 a.m., with kickstands up at 11 a.m.

• VFW Post 5968 will celebrate Veterans Day with music by Wanda from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at 187 Arora Blvd. in Orange Park.