Copyright The Independent Florida Alligator
Alachua County hosted its annual Veterans Day Celebration Tuesday morning, bringing community members together to honor and thank those who served in the military. About 500 people gathered at the Veterans Memorial Park for the festivities, activities and resources for veterans. Alachua County Veterans Services organized the event in partnership with the VA Medical Center, the Alachua County Veterans Memorial Committee and local veteran-focused nonprofits. “I feel it's my duty to take care of the veterans in the county,” said Olajuwon White, the director of Alachua County Veterans Services. “To welcome the veterans and the families, to bring these resources, bring these events and let them know that in Alachua County, you are honored.” The formal program started at 11 a.m. and consisted of a presentation of colors, a flagpole dedication, the national anthem and speeches. Patriotic tunes, like “America The Beautiful”, engulfed the cold air, courtesy of the Fort Clarke Band. Attendees took photos with and peeked inside first-responder helicopters and military vehicles on display. UF mascots Albert and Alberta made a special appearance and snapped pictures with children wearing colorful puffer jackets and veterans donning their military caps. Jade Santos, a 14-year-old Buchholz High School freshman, was part of the flag-folding ceremony with the Milton Lewis Young Marines, a youth education and service program focused on character-building and leadership. Santos said despite having to practice for the ceremony in the cold weather, she was proud to have spent her day off helping honor the veterans at the event. “I’m sure that it inspired them to see the next generation being a part of this,” Santos said. “It was an honor for me to be able to be a part of that.” A variety of organizations supporting the veteran population lined up their tents on Veteran Row at the celebration. Groups like Veterans Affairs, the Gainesville Vet Center and Granny Nannies offered information and resources to veterans in attendance. Byron Rowe, a Veterans Outreach Program specialist for the Gainesville Vet Center, said events like Tuesday’s help spread the word about veteran services, including free mental health support. Organizations like the Gainesville Amateur Radio Society, Daughters of the American Revolution and Manhood Youth Development Program shared their missions and educated those who stopped by their tent. Sgt. 1st Class Terry Fitzpatrick, a 94-year-old veteran, was at the Korean War Veterans Association tent at the end of Veteran Row. The association’s goal is to educate the public about the Korean War and prevent it from being forgotten. Fitzpatrick earned two Bronze Stars during his two years in service, and he shared stories of how he got them — and of other adventures during the war — with a steady stream of listeners. “Oh my God, this is war,” Fitzpatrick said of his service. “It’s not something you forget.” Chloe Kostowicz, an 18-year-old UF political science freshman, attended the event to write her paper for class. Kostowicz is part of the Air Force ROTC and plans to join the military following her graduation. She said the highlight of the event was for younger generations to talk with the veterans present. “We’re able to learn from them,” Kostowicz said. “They have the coolest stories. Freedom is never free.”
