ORANGE PARK – The Historical Society of Orange Park and the Town of Orange Park invite residents to join the town’s much-beloved Veterans Day Ceremony at the Orange Park Veterans Memorial at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11.

The memorial is located inside the gates of the town’s historic Magnolia Cemetery, directly across the street from Clarke House Park on Kingsley Avenue.

The solemn ceremony honors America’s veterans as part of this national holiday. The community gathers to thank the men and women of the Armed Forces for their service.

The program will include a wreath-laying by Orange Park Mayor Randy Anderson, a presentation of the colors by the Orange Park High Navy JROTC Color Guard and the First Coast Highlanders.

The Keynote Speaker this year will be Capt. Ed Turner, Executive Director of the National POW/MIA Memorial and Museum at Cecil Field. Also included will be local students who have written winning essays in the 2023 Veterans Day Essay Contest, along with participation by the American Legion Post 250 Riders and the Sofia Fleming Chapter of the DAR, as well as a flyover by the Dreamland Squadron from Haller Airfield.

This year’s ceremony is expected to be well attended. Because seating is limited, it is recommended visitors bring folding chairs. Organizers will do their best to accommodate anyone with mobility issues.

Parking for the ceremony will be at the First Baptist Church of Orange Park at 1140 Kingsley Ave., a short walk from the memorial. After the ceremony, participants and guests can share refreshments at the historic Clarke House.