Jacksonville has launched its annual Celebration of Valor, a series of 25 events running from October through December to recognize veterans, active-duty service members and military families.
Among the featured events is the city’s Veterans Day Parade, scheduled for Nov. 11 at 11:01 a.m. December programming includes the Vetrepreneur 10th Anniversary Summit on Dec. 4, an Army-Navy Watch Party on Dec. 12 and Wreaths Across America on Dec. 19.
The initiative also includes support for local veterans at home. The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department said it will install free smoke alarms in local veterans’ homes throughout November.
At the Celebration of Valor kickoff, the Jaguars Foundation announced grants for 13 local military and veteran support organizations. Seven groups received $10,000 each: Five STAR Veterans Center, Operation New Uniform, Women Veterans Ignited, Inc., Navy League Mayport Council, Here Tomorrow, Jacksonville Humane Society and The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Centerstone.
Six additional organizations received $5,000 grants: K9’s For Warriors, Operation Barnabas, Veterans Treatment Court, Florida National Guard Foundation, St. Michaels Soldiers and Wounded Warrior Project.
The city’s observance is intended to highlight support for Jacksonville-area military personnel, including service members deployed overseas and their families.
