On Oct. 26, the Santa Rosa County Veterans Memorial Foundation announced that instead of the parade, the community can join them with a ceremony and wreath-laying event at American Legion Post #78, located at 6025 Spikes Way in Milton.
The city announced on Oct. 22 that cleanup costs associated with the storm have risen to $25 million, which is a third of the city’s operating budget, and forced them to cancel the Veterans Day parade and Christmas-related events.
“The Santa Rosa County Veterans Memorial Foundation supports the decision to cancel the Veterans Day Parade while our city continues its cleanup and recovery efforts following Hurricane Isaias,” said Foundation President Tom Powers in a news release. “We understand that our community’s safety and recovery must come first.”
The event will feature a Flag Retirement ceremony, bonfire, and a cookout, which was donated by Grover’s Restaurant and served by members and volunteers of the Santa Rosa County 4-H Club.
Powers added that now is the time for the community to come together to honor veterans while offering help to those who need it in Santa Rosa County.
“Our parade may be canceled, but our commitment to honoring our veterans and supporting our community remains stronger than ever,” Powers added.
