Veterans Day is Thursday, Nov. 11, and many fundraisers, concerts, ceremonies and other events are scheduled for the holiday. Here are some of the ways you can celebrate and honor our U.S. military veterans all week long:
WEDNESDAY THROUGH MONDAY, NOV. 10-15
Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall: A traveling,three-fifths-scale replica of the Washington, D.C., Vietnam Memorial visits NaplesChurch. The nearly 300-foot-long wall will be available for view from Wednesday through Monday, Nov. 10-15. Free. The wall will travel to the church with an escort at 10 a.m. Wednesday from Bonita Grande Publix and along Livingston Road South and Immokalee Road. NaplesChurch, 10910 Immokalee Road, Naples. 898-5354 or napleschurch.com/traveling-vietnam-memorial-wall
THURSDAY, NOV. 11
Fort Myers Veterans Day Parade: The annual parade usually happens in downtown Fort Myers, but it moves to the Edison Mall parking lot this year due to the Fort Myers Boat Show in downtown. It starts at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, at the former Sears building. Then the parade travels south toward J.C. Penney and then around the rest of the mall parking lot. Free. Edison Mall, 4125 Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers. facebook.com/EdisonMall
Cape Coral Veterans Day Parade: This community parade is organized by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department and other local supporters. It starts at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, in downtown Cape Coral and travels west along Cape Coral Parkway from Cape Coral Street to Chester Street. Free. Downtown Cape Coral. facebook.com/capecoralspecialevents
Saddle Up for Soldiers: Popular country act The Ben Allen Band — led by 2020 “The Voice” contestant Ben Allen of Estero — plays this outdoor concert benefiting mental-health programs for combat veterans at the nonprofit Miles Ranch in North Fort Myers. 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11. $20 in advance, $25 at the door (free for ages 11 and younger). Lawn chairs, blankets and even golf carts are encouraged. Barbecue included with tickets. There will also be a silent auction. The Edison Restaurant and Event Center, 3583 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. milesranch.org
Collier County Veterans Day ceremony: This ceremony includes music by the Pine Ridge Middle School Symphonic Band, a drill team demonstration by Barron Collier High’s JROTC, an invocation and address by Lt. Col. Chris Walters (a 25-year Marine Corps veteran with multiple Middle East deployments), the ringing of 21 bells for the “Bells of Peace”; singer Steve Smith; a flyover with U.S. Air Force Maj. Jessica Stearns in a 1945 Piper L4/J3.; and the dedication of a permanent “Missing Man Chair”, a memorial dedicated to MIAs and POWs who haven’t made it home. 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11. Free. Visitors are asked to bring seating. Cambier Park, 755 Eighth Ave. S., Naples. 370-5428
Bonita Veterans Day Ceremony: The City of Bonita Springs holds its annual Veterans Day event, including musical tributes, a 21-gun salute, the posting of the colors and guest speaker James C. McCloughan, a retired medical specialist and combat medic for the U.S. Army and a recipient of the Medal of Honor, the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart. 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11. Free. Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St, downtown Bonita Springs. 949-6262 or cityofbonitasprings.org
Midpoint Madness Veteran’s Day 5K: Join hundreds of runners and walkers for this annual nighttime 5K on the Midpoint Bridge, which will be closed from 6-9 p.m. during the event. The race ends at Royal Palm Square, where there will be awards and refreshments. All proceeds benefit the Fort Myers YMCA. 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11. Registration fee is $30 ($20 for veterans). Midpoint Bridge and Royal Palm Square in Fort Myers. runsignup.com/Race/FL/FortMyers/MIDPOINTMADNESSVeteransDay5K
The Edison Estates: Veterans get free admission to the Edison & Ford Winter Estates on Thursday, Nov. 11, including a self-guided tour of the historic homes, gardens, laboratory and museum. A five-piece brass band from Brass Music Elements performs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Regular admission is $15-$25. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd., downtown Fort Myers. 334-7419 or edisonfordwinterestates.org
Power of Gratitude Drive-Thru Lunch: Gulf Coast Village celebrates veterans and active-duty military with this free meal for past and present military members. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11. Free. Gulf Coast Village, 1333 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral. To sign up for a pick-up time, call 323-9267 or visit GulfCoastVillage.com/Events.
SATURDAY, NOV. 13
“Salute to American Veterans”: A concert featuring patriotic and pop music by singer Lindsey Graham, plus food trucks, attractions for kids, a 21-gun salute and more. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13. Free. Presented by the Village of Estero. Estero Community Park, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd., Estero. estero-fl.gov/events/salute-to-american-veterans
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14
Lee County Community Band: The -member band performs the first show of its 136th season, including patriotic music by American composers and a salute to U.S. military members and veterans. 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 14. Free (donations accepted). Cape Coral High School’s auditorium, 2300 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral. leecountyband.org
Better a Veteran Benefit: A patriotic fundraiser featuring Roadhouse Atlanta Biker Band, “biker comedy hypnotist” Gary Michaels, raffles, prizes, vendors, a military vehicle display, the national anthem (at noon) and more. It benefits the Invest in America’s Veterans Foundation & The Disabled American Veterans Charity Organization. Noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 14. Free (although a $10 donation at the door is encouraged). Buddha LIVE, 12701 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 246-1246 or thebuddhalive.com
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