Saluting service and sacrifice: Veterans Day 2023

“Duty, honor, country: Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be.” — Gen. Douglas MacArthur 

Veterans across the Space Coast were honored over the weekend in shows of gratitude and honor, accolades deserved year-round but amplified on a day devoted to their duty and dedication.

Events ranged from the solemn to the celebratory, with veterans and civilians alike united in respect for sacrifices made by service members and their families across many decades.

Participants display flags Saturday in the Pass in Review and Veterans Day ceremony on Merritt Island. The event was presented by the Brevard Veterans Council.

In Melbourne, the Liberty Bell Museum offered an interactive presentation on the birth of our country and its first veterans; the Brevard Zoo welcomed active duty military and veterans at no cost; and veterans and their families were treated to a free private event at the American Muscle Car Museum. And to the north in Titusville, the Warbird Museum hosted a two-day open house, with free admission for all U.S. military and veterans, accompanying family members, and all Florida residents.

On Merritt Island, a ceremony at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center featured special guest speakers along with tours and a look at resources for veterans and their families.

Air Force veteran Sanjanette Scott sings the national anthem Saturday during the Veterans Day ceremony Saturday on Merritt Island.

To the south in Palm Bay, U.S. Rep. Bill Posey, R-Rockledge, was slated to be grand marshal at a parade followed by a celebration at the city’s Veterans Memorial Park.

“On Veterans Day, we reflect on the service and great personal sacrifices made by our brave men and women in uniform, and their families, to protect and defend our nation, and our liberty, throughout the years,” Posey said in a statement.

“Because of their courage and dedication, America has stood strong as a beacon to the world. We owe them all a great debt of gratitude, today, and every day. To all our veterans and service members, thank you for your service, and may God bless you all and our great nation, the United States of America.”

Participants hold flags Saturday at the Veterans Day ceremony on Merritt Island.

American flags placed by the Daughters of the American Revolution add patriotic colors to the Veterans Day ceremony Saturday on Merritt Island.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Saluting service and sacrifice: Veterans Day 2023