For students looking to show their appreciation for the men and women who serve in the armed forces, Gainesville offers opportunities that extend from Veterans Day this Thursday through the weekend.
For Ed Van Buren, commander of American Legion Post 16 in Gainesville, a thank you is all it takes.
“I simply want people to recognize the sacrifices they [members of the armed services] have made,” Van Buren said. “A simple thank you is the most meaningful way.”
Van Buren was on active duty from 1969 to 1971 and was stationed in South Korea.
There will be community commemorative events at Kanapaha Park on Thursday beginning at 8:30 a.m. with patriotic music and an airplane flyover. The formal program, which begins at 11:00 a.m., includes poetry and a presentation by UF’s Air Force ROTC. Van Buren anticipates that hundreds of veterans will be at the gardens for the celebration.
Staff Sgt. Francisco Piquet, an Army recruiter, will be at the celebration with active duty members, reserves and cadets representing all military branches, he said.
Freshman Jacob Prentis will be marching in uniform with the UF Air Force ROTC.
“I believe that students should wear red, white and blue,” Prentis said. “They should come out and see the veterans there. Just see a veteran and thank them for what they have done.”
On Veterans Day, Piquet said he remembers fellow servicemen from his generation and past eras.
“We are all one big family,” Piquet said. “At the end of day we all work for the same thing: to protect the United States.”
Saturday’s football game is also designated as Military Appreciation Day. Soldiers will lead the football team onto the field, help with the coin toss and give a presentation on the field. There will also be ROTC cadets in semi-formal uniforms stationed around the stadium.
On Sunday, Santa Fe College will host the All American Liberty Fest in celebration of Veterans Day.
There will be events for all ages, ranging from a motorcycle ride to live music. The Liberty Fest will begin at 11 a.m. and last until 4 p.m. Both the Liberty Fest and the commemorative events at Kanapaha are free and open to the Gainesville community.
Many of the city’s restaurants will show their appreciation by providing servicemen and women with free food.
“I’m going to hit up Hooters for lunch, Applebee’s for dinner,” Piquet said.
