Salute to Veterans

Published on October 30, 2024

The City of Eustis will be holding its annual Salute to Veterans event on Saturday, November 9, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. in Ferran Park. The event will honor veterans through a variety of activities including a parade, 2-Mile Dash, live patriotic performances by Showtime USA, and an afternoon Ceremony of Honor.

The event will also host a half-size replica of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier which will be on display Friday, November 8 through Sunday, November 10. The original memorial is a neoclassical, white marble sarcophagus located in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Since 1921, it has provided a final resting place for one of America’s unidentified World War I service members. Unknowns from World War II and the Vietnam War were also laid to rest at the location in 1958 and 1984 respectively. The replica offers an opportunity for visitors to experience this emotional tribute closer to home.

A 2-Mile Dash, hosted by the Eustis Parks and Recreation Department, will also be on November 9, 2024, during the Salute to Veterans event. The race will begin at 8:00 a.m. at the Eustis Police Department. The early registration fee is $25 and the day-of registration fee is $30. Individuals are encouraged to run in honor of the Veterans in their life and our community. To register please visit www.raceroster.com.

The annual Salute to Veterans Parade will begin at 2 p.m. and will head south on Eustis Street from Gottsche Ave. to Woodward Ave. The Events & Tourism Department is still accepting applications to participate in the parade which is free to all Veteran organizations and Veteran owned businesses. Additionally, volunteers are needed to help carry the mega flag. This 20 ft. by 30 ft. display of patriotism is a crowd favorite during the parade. For a parade or volunteer application, please visit www.eustis.org.

The Ceremony of Honor will begin at 3 p.m. immediately following the end of the parade. The ceremony, featuring a Lake County Sheriff’s helicopter flyover, wreath laying ceremony with the Ocklawaha Daughters of the American Revolution, and special guest speaker, will be held on the Alice McClelland Bandshell Stage. Additional activities at the Salute to Veterans event will include a history display by the Florida Military Vehicle Group, food trucks and arts and craft vendors in Ferran Park. The event and multiple displays are free to the public and all ages are encouraged to attend.

For more information, please visit www.eustis.org.