News Features

Veterans Take Center Stage This Week

American Legion

    American Legion Post 21 has announced it will host a Veterans Day Celebration on Tuesday, November 11. Beginning at 10 a.m. at the McTureous Memorial Park in Altoona, Legion members will host several guests for a special time of veteran recognition.
   Limited seating will be available, and guests are encouraged to bring chairs for extra comfort.
   Legion members will lead a program that will include the Umatilla High School JROTC, the Spring Creek Charter School Choir, a Riderless Horse presentation featuring Ginger Patrick, and a talk from historical Michael Cross.
   The Mctureous Memorial is located on SR 19 just north of the Altoona Post Office and across from the Lakeview Terrace community. It is named for Altoona native and Medal of Honor recipient Robert McTureous, Jr. who was born and raised on the property.
   The public is encouraged to attend this free program.

Salute To Veterans In Eustis

    Eustis will be the epicenter of the area’s Veterans Day recognition, as the community rolls out the red carpet on Saturday, November 8, for the annual Salute To Veterans event in downtown. From 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., a host of activities will mark veterans and celebrate their service to the nation.
   The fun begins at 8 a.m. when the Phantom Airborne Brigade will host paratrooper jumps on Lake Eustis. At 8:30 a.m., a two mile run, sponsored by the city parks department, will be held, call 352-357-7969 to register. From 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. the public can get up close to military history when a large Florida Military Vehicle Heritage Group display will be available to experience.
   A featured event kicks off at 2 p.m., when the grand parade runs through downtown, with a large entry expected to celebrate veterans from all eras. The parade will run on Eustis Street from Gottsche Avenue to Woodward Avenue.
   Additionally, the public is invited to participate in a Wreaths of Honor program, which includes the decorating of a wreath for placement on veteran graves in the Greenwood cemetery.

Sorrento Event

    The 4th Annual Veterans Day Service will be held at the Sorrento Cemetery on Tuesday November 11th in Sorrento at 10 a.m. The Sorrento Cemetery is located at 23305 Oak Lane in Sorrento.
   Guest Speaker will be Dr. Dale C. Smith was a professor and Director of Military Medicine and History at the Uniformed Services University. He retired in 2021; His students make up more than half of the doctors on active duty in America’s Armed Services.
   Special recognition will be for:
1. Johnny C. Treadwell served in the United States Army from 1951 to 1954. He
    stopped to help an Army General that was broke down and afterwards the
    General asked Johnny to be his driver for the remainder of his time in the
    military at Fort Ord in California.
2. Kenneth Wade Wilkey was born in Alabama. In 1967 when he became of age he
    joined the United States Army and served his country until 1970. He was on
    tour in Vietnam for several months.
   Bring a chair and stay after the service for refreshments.