NOVEMBER 4, 2025 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kevin Christian, APR, CPRC, Director of Public Relations
352.671.7734 w ◊ 352.840.3265 c
[email protected]
STUDENTS WILL PRESENT OFFICIAL MARION COUNTY VETERANS DAY CEREMONY
MARION COUNTY – Hundreds of students from nearly two dozen Marion County public schools will support local veterans by leading, participating in, and attending Marion County’s official Veterans Day Ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 11.
This marks the 19th consecutive year Marion County Public Schools (MCPS) has presented the annual ceremony. With an 11 a.m. start time, the event takes place at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park located at 2601 SE Fort King St. in Ocala.
MCPS invites the public to attend the ceremony and arrive early due to parking concerns. Attendees are also encouraged to bring lawn chairs as bleacher seating is limited.
This year’s program includes opening comments from Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Danielle Brewer and live music performances by students from Shady Hill Elementary, Howard Middle, Forest High, and North Marion High Schools.
Students from Hillcrest School will lead the Pledge of Allegiance while student writers from Hammett Bowen, Jr. Elementary, named after Marion County’s only Medal of Honor recipient, will recognize veterans for their service with spoken essays.
Harbour View Elementary School's Rookie Teacher of the Year, Sharon Flowers, will share a special veteran’s perspective as the inspirational speaker. Ocala Police Department’s Honor Guard will lead the event and provide a 21-gun salute.
Marion County Fire Rescue and Ocala Fire Rescue will jointly display a giant American flag from ladder trucks as the backdrop to this year's ceremony.
Military families who have lost loved ones in service will present a wreath as a heartfelt tribute to honor all local veterans who gave their lives. The ceremony will also include a vintage airplane flyover and additional patriotic salutes.
For more information, contact the Public Relations Office of Marion County Public Schools.
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