For the first time in years, Miami-Dade will conduct a downtown “Golden Veterans Parade” Friday, Nov. 8, to honor Vietnam veterans from the South Florida area. In addition, a special observance for World War II veterans and families has been planned.
The Miami-Dade Military Affairs Board headed by Miami Dade District 12 Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz planned the pre-Veterans Day parade for all county municipalities, local military organizations and community leaders, so as not to conflict with alreadyplanned events in various cities on Monday, Nov. 11.
The downtown Miami Nov. 8 parade is scheduled to begin at noon at Government Center and march along Flagler Street to Bayfront Park for a commemorative ceremony and community concert.
“This is a long overdue one-time commemorative event, inspired by a Presidential proclamation naming the next 13 years as the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War,” according to a statement from the board.
“We seek to honor those veterans who, because of anti-war sentiments, were never given a proper welcome back reception,” said Commissioner Diaz, noting that the parade is planned especially to highlight the “courage and service of all veterans in the Tri-County area.”
The board is asking a unified effort of county and city officials throughout the county to participate, as well as non-profit organizations, businesses and professionals willing to donate time, services and talent to the parade program.
For more information, contact Gloria Garces at Commissioner Diaz’s office (305-599-1200) or send email to ggarces@miamidade.gov.
PEARL HARBOR DAY OBSERVANCE SCHEDULED AT MILITARY MUSEUM
The Friends of the Miami Military Museum and Veterans Memorial will mark a special observance of Pearl Harbor Day at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7.
Veterans, family members and visitors will join for both posting of the colors and a memorial ceremony inside the restored structure on the grounds adjacent to the Gold Coast Railroad Museum, 12450 SW 152 St.
“We urge all veterans and their families to attend the Golden Veterans Parade and participate in the museum observance,” said Anthony Atwood, advisor to the Military Museum in Kendall where special programs have been conducted in recent years to honor veterans.
The museum will be completing interior projects during the coming year after receiving a $500,000 line item appropriation from the State of Florida, part of a $5-6 million budget to open South Florida’s first museum honoring all services and their history, Atwood explained.
Veterans parades are planned in several Miami-Dade communities on Monday, Nov. 11, including Miami Lakes, Hialeah, Homestead and Miami Beach.
In Kendall. Jewish War Veterans Post 213 will hold its annual Graveside Flag Placement Service at the Mount Nebo Kendall Memorial Gardens, 5900 SW 77 Ave. For information, call 305-279-6412.
