LTC 422-2024 16TH ANNUAL VETERANS DAY PARADE AND CELEBRATIONMIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO.LTC #LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO:Honorable Mayor Steven Meiner and Members of the City Commission
o (lat-FROM:Eric Carpenter,City Manager ZCfl
DA TE:September 23,2024
SUBJECT:16TH ANNUAL VETERANS DAY PARADE AND CELEBRATION
The Parks and Recreation Department is proud to invite our elected leaders to join us at the 16th
annual Veterans Day parade and celebration at 11:11 a.m.on Monday,November 11, 2024.The
event features veteran and military groups,marching bands,an F-16 flyover,local businesses,
and community organizations along iconic Ocean Drive beginning at 5th Street.The start time of
the event coincides with the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month,which was originally
intended to commemorate the armistice ending World War I.Veterans Day was later expanded to
honor American veterans of all wars.During World War II,the beaches and hotels in the City of
Miami Beach served as a training center for military troops.Many service members fell in love with
Miami Beach and returned after the war.The Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion
organized parades for more than 50 years to salute the troops who sacrificed so much to defend
our nation's freedom.
The City has continued this tradition for more than a decade,even holding a virtual celebration in
2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic made it impractical to hold the usual celebration.The largest
parade of the day in South Florida takes route on Ocean Drive from 5"to 15"streets.At 12:15
p.m.,the festivities move to Lummus Park between 11"and 12 Streets as the All Veteran
Parachute Team takes to the skies over South Beach for a demonstration.Parade participation
has grown to more than 1,000 over the years including students,organizations,businesses,
military groups,and public officials.The event includes a presentation of the colors by the Miami
Beach Police and Fire Department Honor Guards,a recital of the Pledge of Allegiance,the national
anthem,and a moment of silence in honor of our First World War Armistice Day tradition.There
will also be addresses by military officials from Southern Command and prominent city and county
leaders.Other activities include MBPD Honor Guard's 21-gun salute,a performance by a Taps
bugler,and wreath-laying ceremony.
The event will culminate with the grand opening of the Ocean Drive Outdoor Gallery exhibition
titled "Boot Camp in Paradise:WW 2 in Miami Beach".The exhibition,located in Lummus Park
between 11 and 12 Streets,will feature a collection of evocative photographs and documents
capturing the essence of Miami Beach during WW II.The exhibit aims to pay tribute to the courage
and sacrifices of those who served,fostering a deeper appreciation for their contributions.
Should you have additional questions,please contact Cindy Casanova at (305)673-7730.
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