Photo courtesy American Legion website
Nov. 11 is Veterans Day – the day in which we honor and recognize the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces to defend our freedom. Our nation has come to recognize that no matter the political state of the country, it is important to support and pay homage and respect our veterans who have sacrificed and risked their lives and served in foreign lands to fight for and protect our freedom.
Leon County government and the American Legion Sauls-Bridges Post 13 invited the community to honor local heroes in celebration of Veterans Day on Monday at the American Legion, located at 229 Lake Ella Drive.
Before the Tallahassee Veterans Day Parade, many of the local veterans started their Veterans Day with a celebratory appreciation meal.
Operation Thank You is a free breakfast for veterans, but it’s also a way to let them know the resources that are available in Leon County. And, as the name suggests, a way to say thank you.
A ceremony was held to honor all veterans and remember those who dedicated their lives in service to our country. The breakfast event took place at the American Legion hall.
County and city commissioners, county staff and vets addressed the crowd after they served breakfast to the veterans. Each veteran in attendance received an Operation Thank You commemorative challenge coin and declaration from Leon County.
Operation Thank You was an opportunity to thank the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve with honor. More than 19,000 veterans call Leon County home.
“We’re like a big family. You know in war times it’s no fun. So when veterans get together in peacetime to sit around and mingle together, it’s a wonderful day for veterans. It’s just like Christmas,” said Ben Bradwell, director of Leon County Veteran Services.
There were also group photos taken for each branch of the military.
The event certainly bought out veterans from all over Leon County. It was rewarding to see how much love and support the citizens of Leon County have for the men and women who have served and sacrificed so much for this country.