Veterans Affairs

This year, Veterans Day fell on a truly unique day: 11/11/11, and there was no shortage of local patriotic celebrations to commemorate veterans’ services to our country.

To kick off the day, the Sarasota Patriotic Observance Committee held the city’s annual Veterans Day parade. After a parade down Main Street of local dignitaries, the Sarasota High School band, the Sarasota Military Academy and others, the parade participants and spectators gathered around the Five Points roundabout flagpole for the national anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance and to listen to the guest speaker, retired Col. Ben Knisely, United States Army.

In addition to the city’s parade, The Glenridge on Palmer Ranch held its fifth annual Veterans Day luncheon,and more than 250 people attended a special Veterans Day program at the Sarasota Senior Friendship Centers. President and CEO Bob Carter recognized the two senior-most veterans in attendance: Ken Meixell, 98, U.S. Navy, and Theodore Oxman, 96, U.S. Army Air Force.