Celebrate Our Local Heroes
Nov 01, 2023 08:00AM ● By Francesca Block
On November 11, Veterans Day will be observed across the country to honor military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. This national holiday is celebrated with festivities, ceremonies, and parades, such as the Veterans Day Parade in Cape Coral. Cape Coral is a Purple Heart city, part of a national program that honors Purple Heart recipients, those who were wounded or killed in combat while serving.
“Honoring our veterans each year with a parade helps us show gratitude for their service, recognizes their sacrifices, and fosters a sense of unity and patriotism within the community. The City of Cape Coral is proud to celebrate these heroes each year,” says Kaitlyn Mullen, Senior Public Information Specialist.
Cape Coral’s Veterans Day Parade will be on Cape Coral Parkway (south side, heading west from Cape Coral Street to Chester Street.) on Saturday, November 11, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. The community is invited to honor our American Heroes and pay tribute to those who lost their lives, those who served honorably, and those still proudly serving our country. The Veteran's Day Parade is a cooperative effort of the City of Cape Coral Parks and Recreation and local community volunteers. Find out more at http://www.capecoral.gov/department/parks_and_recreationhome/special_events/veterans_day_parade.php
Other great ways to celebrate include visiting the Veterans Memorial Park on 4140 Coronado Parkway, Cape Coral. This 4.2-acre neighborhood park offer bocce ball courts, basketball courts, playground equipment, restrooms, and more. The Southwest Florida Vietnam Veterans Memorial at the Four Mile Cove Ecological Park is a sight to remember. The memorial contains the names of 80 military personnel from Southwest Florida who didn’t make it home from the war. The Felix de Weldon Iwo Jima Statue, Purple Heart Memorial, Iraq monument and Merchant Marine Memorial, are right on the premises. Find out more at Cape Coral Parks and Recreation, 239-573-3128, capecoral.gov.
Also, the non-profit 501c(3) Southwest Florida Military Museum & Library is located at the Edison Mall in Fort Myers, 4125 Cleveland Avenue, #1755. Visitors can see military artifacts and memorabilia. There are also items to purchase. Admission is free. Donations are welcome. Contact [email protected] or visit http://swflmm.org/.
Ann Marie O’Phelan is a SW Florida resident and a regular contributor to TOTI Media.
