Veterans Day Ceremonies
Veterans Memorial Park Pensacola
Observed on November 11th, Veterans Day is set aside to honor and celebrate the service of Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. Originally celebrated as Armistice Day to mark the end of the 1st World War, November 11th was later expanded to honor all Veterans. Veterans Day differs from Memorial Day in that it commemorates the service all who have served in the U.S. Military, while Memorial Day honors those who lost their lives in combat, training, or directly because of their military service. Both occasions are celebrations of freedom, with one recognizing the freedom which was earned through service and the other commemorating that which came from those who died in its defense.
The event, which takes place on-site, begins at 11:00 AM at the conclusion of the Pensacola Veterans Day Parade and usually includes a presentation of the Colors, singing of the National Anthem along with other patriotic musical performances from local musical groups, the presentation and guest speakers. The event is open to all members of the public.
The Veterans Day Ceremony is an important opportunity for the local community, The Park Foundation, and Veteran organizations from across the country to come together and enjoy the freedom and prosperity made possible by those who contributed to its defense. We publish event schedules and updates here and on social media, so be sure to check back for information on this year’s upcoming events.
Get Ready for the 2023 Veterans Day Ceremony!
2023 Veterans Day Video Message from Foundation President Rob Doss
Past Veterans Day Events
2022
Capt. Dale Dye
USMC, Ret.
The 2022 Veterans Day Guest Speaker was Hollywood actor and film production technical advisor Capt. Dale Dye, USMC (Ret).
A Veteran of Vietnam and Beirut, Lebanon, Capt. Dye took part in over 30 combat operations and is a three-time recipient of the Purple Heart and Bronze Star with Combat V. He is also a mustang, having reached Master Sergeant before being appointed a Warrant officer and later relieving a commission to the rank of Captain. His 20-year career as a Combat Correspondent would color his later work in film and influence those he worked with in the entertainment industry.
His production company, Warriors Inc., specializes in aiding directors and production studios in realistically portraying military culture and combat. Having worked with venerable directors such as Steven Spielberg and Oliver Stone as well as pioneering the full-immersion preparation course in which actors complete a 30-day military-style training regimen prior to filming, Dye and his team’s contribution to Military and Veteran representation in popular media is legendary. Alongside his technical and advisory roles, Capt. Dye is credited for acting in many of the productions Warriors Inc. worked on. Some notable credits include Saving Private Ryan, Platoon, and Forrest Gump as well as television series such as Band of Brothers and The Pacific.
Dye is also an accomplished author, and has written more than 15 published works, including the Shake Davis series and Code Word: Geronimo. He has also previously worked as a correspondent for Soldier of Fortune Magazine.
Watch "Conversations with Jeff Weeks" a local public television program presented by WSRE PBS.
War Dog Memorial Unveiled
After over a year of hard work and community support, the War Dog Memorial was finally unveiled at the 2022 Veterans Day Ceremony. Thanks to your commitment and generosity, Military Working Dogs now have a place of honor in Pensacola alongside the rest of our Nation’s Veterans.
30th Anniversary
2022 marked 30 years since the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall South and the establishment of Veterans Memorial Park Pensacola. To commemorate this milestone, community volunteers offered their time to read the more than 58,000 names on The Wall in the days leading up to the 2022 Veterans Day Celebration.
The 2022 Veterans Day Ceremony Included Musical Performances by:
2022 Inaugural Fundraiser Dinner
On the evening of Veterans Day, the Veterans Memorial Park Foundation of Pensacola held the first annual Fundraising Dinner at the Pensacola Country Club. The event included a Presentation of the Colors by the USMC Color Guard, dinner, a silent auction, and a special presentation by Dale Dye. All proceeds went to the care and maintenance of The Park.
Sponsors
2021
