Rotary Club to hold inaugural Veterans Day parade

The new Longboat Key Rotary Club chapter seeks to honor the sacrifices of those who serve and their family members on Veterans Day.

The 2010 census found that Longboat Key had 1,476 veterans, representing 22.1% of its population 18 years and older. Yet despite the fact that nearly one quarter of residents have served their country, the Key hasn’t had a regular, islandwide Veterans Day event.

That’s something the new Rotary Club of Longboat Key plans to change.

The Rotary Club will hold its first Veterans Day Parade and Recognition Program at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 11, on Bay Isles Road, ending at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. A program inside the temple will follow the parade, honoring veterans, their family members and survivors who live, work or worship on Longboat Key.

“When one member of the family goes into the military service, they all go into the service in one way or another,” said Rotary Club President Sydelle Pittas.

More than 100 veterans have signed up to participate in the parade.