On November 11th, Bay Pines hosted a Veterans Day celebration in our Community Living Center for our residents.  Mr. Wallace Hopkins, Director, was the keynote speaker and each resident was presented with a pin and acknowledged for his or her service to our country.  The Florida Trio provided music and volunteers from the Knights of Columbus and St. Luke’s Church of Palm Harbor provided a special meal.

On November 12th, Bay Pines VA hosted the Veterans Liaison Council of Pinellas County’s annual Veterans Day Parade and Program.  The parade took place on our campus followed by a program celebrating, acknowledging, and thanking veterans for their service.  The program began with posting of colors by:  VFW District 9 & Ladies Auxiliary; Sons of the American Revolution; Korean War Veterans Chapter 14; United States Coast Guard, Sand Key Station; Royal Canadian Legion Post 144; Dixie M. Hollins High School Color Guard; Gibbs High School Color Guard; and the Veterans Liaison Council of Pinellas County Honor Guard.  Keswick Christian High School Orchestra and Choir performed along with singer Athena Delgado.  Congressman C.W. Bill Young provided guest remarks and Colonel David Brown, who has served 32 years in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves, including deployment to Iraq, provided a keynote address.  The program was attended by several local Mayors and Vice Mayors, Pinellas County Commission, and military liaisons.  It concluded with a wreath presentation, firing salute by Gibbs High School, and playing of Taps.  Many thanks to the organizations who supported and attended the events to celebrate Veterans Day.