Veterans Day Ceremonies
Veterans Memorial Park Pensacola
Observed on November 11th, Veterans Day is set aside to honor and celebrate the lives and sacrifices 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 and sacrifice of everyone who has served in the U.S. Military, while Memorial Day honors the memory of 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, usually includes a presentation of the Colors, singing of the National Anthem along with other patriotic musical performances, the presentation and laying of wreaths, 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.
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.
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
The 2021 Veterans Day Guest Speaker was Major General John Stokes, USAF, Ret. Stokes is the former Director of Air, Space and Information Operations, Air Force Reserve Command, at Robins Air Force Base, GA.
Maj. Gen. John Stokes
USAF, Ret.
The 2020 Veterans Day Ceremony also marked the beginning of Military Tribute Banner program at Veterans Memorial Park Pensacola. Click below to learn more.
2020
The 2020 Veterans Day Guest Speaker was Medal of Honor recipient CWO 4 Hershel "Woody" Williams, USMC, Ret. A Veteran of the Second World War and the Battle of Iwo Jima, Williams was distinguished as being the last living U.S. Service Member to receive the Medal of Honor in WWII.
Through his work with the Woody Williams Foundation, Hershel helped to connect Gold Star Families all around the world, as well as establish over 104 monuments to Gold Star Families like the one here in Pensacola.
Sadly, Hershel Williams passed away on June 29, 2022 at the age of 98.
Chief Warrant Officer 4
Hershel "Woody" Williams
USMC, Ret.
The highlight of the 2020 Veterans Day ceremony was the dedication of the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument
Interested in Laying a Wreath?
Many families, Churches, and other organizations wish to lay wreaths at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall South and other monuments as expressions of love and support of those whose names are enshrined there. During certain park events, the wreaths are announced and incorporated into the ceremony. If you would like to participate, please submit the contact form below.
Lay a Wreath Honor a Hero
COME VISIT US AT THE PARK.
On the Downtown Pensacola Bayfront Shoreline.
Do You or Your Organization Have Something to Share With the Veteran Community? Consider Being an Exhibitor at Our Next Event!
For over 30 years, Veterans Memorial Park of Pensacola has been a meeting place for local and national organizations and companies to interact with Veterans and their families. During certain Park events, we allow these organizations to host booths and exhibit their services to the community. Because spaces are limited and we need to ensure that our exhibitors share our mission of serving and honoring Veterans, The Veterans Memorial Park Foundation of Pensacola requires exhibitors to complete the application below.
Share Your Skills With
Veterans and Their Families.
COME VISIT US AT THE PARK.
On the Downtown Pensacola Bayfront Shoreline.
Questions? Comments? Concerns? Just want to tell us how great your visit was? get in touch with us here!
SEND US AN EMAIL.
COME VISIT US AT THE PARK.
On the Downtown Pensacola Bayfront Shoreline.