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St. Augustine, FL 32085 All rights reserved
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Veterans Day 2019
"Veterans Day 2019 was full of surprises for the Veterans Council of St. Johns
County. It began Sunday with the Patriot Guard Riders escort of the Travelling
Vietnam and War on Terror Walls. 200 riders in the escort files in the parking lot
of The Elks Lodge on Anastasia Blvd. After a respite, the walls were taken to
Anastasia Baptist Church and the set-up began. On Veterans Day, the 1250 seat
auditorium of the church was filled to capacity."
photos by Michael Isam
Leading up to Veterans Day, the 46-foot long Traveling Vietnam Wall made its way from St. Cloud, FL with an escort of 250
motorcycle riding veterans. It arrived at the Elks Lodge 829 on Nov. 10 and was erected at the Anastasia Baptist Church atrium.
Doors to the church opened at 9 a.m. Monday, where the Traveling Vietnam Wall and the 24-foot long War on Terrorism Wall
were on view along with dozens of displays presented by regional veterans groups and non profits.
At 11 a.m., the program in the church started with the posting of the flag by St. Augustine Sea Cadets Color Guard, and the
grand entrance of the JROTC Cadets from five local high schools.
Patriotic music followed performed Liberty Express Quartet, and the St. Johns County Center for the Arts Chamber Singers, led
by Jeff Dodd.
The keynote speaker was Judge Howard McGillin, COL USA (Retired), who spoke of how his father, a WW II veteran influenced
him in following in his father’s footsteps and serving our country.
To view the Veterans Day Ceremony on YouTube click HERE
(approx 2 hours in length)
Veterans Council of St. Johns County
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