NOVEMBER 5, 2024 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kevin Christian, APR, CPRC, Director of Public Relations
352.671.7734 w ◊ 352.840.3265 c
[email protected]
STUDENTS TO PRESENT OFFICIAL MARION COUNTY VETERANS DAY CEREMONY
MARION COUNTY – Hundreds of students from at least 30 Marion County Public Schools (MCPS) will support local veterans by leading, participating in, and attending Marion County’s official Veterans Day Ceremony on Monday, Nov. 11.
This marks the 18th year in a row MCPS has presented the annual ceremony. With an 11 a.m. start time, the event takes place at the Marion County Veterans Park located at the intersection of Southeast Fort King Street and Southeast 25 Avenue 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 Superintendent of Schools Dr. Diane Gullett and live music performed by students from Hammett Bowen, Jr. Elementary, Reddick-Collier Elementary, and Forest 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.
Lake Weir High School Teacher William King will share a special veteran’s perspective as an inspirational speaker. Ocala Police Department’s Color Guard will lead a Parade of Colors featuring MCPS Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) color guards and present a 21-gun salute.
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 also includes 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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