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City, hospital gear up to honor veterans

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By JOYCE McKENZIE

jmckenzie@tampatrib.com

Published: November 4, 2009

TEMPLE TERRACE - Veterans Day is a federal holiday meant to honor military personnel who have sacrificed their lives for the good of our nation.

The day's purpose is to celebrate veterans, including the more than 1.5 million in this decade alone who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Toward that end, on Nov. 11 the city of Temple Terrace will host a ceremony to commemorate what many consider our nation's greatest heroes. In addition, officials at the nearby James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital are planning a parade in which participants will acknowledge their appreciation of veterans.

The Temple Terrace program will feature the Temple Terrace Highlanders band, Florida College's Take Note vocal ensemble, the King High Naval Junior ROTC and keynote speaker Maj. Jeff Hudson of U.S. Special Operations Command.
Pastor Ted Fielland of Temple Terrace will offer the invocation and retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Dave Froberg will provide closing remarks. Mayor Joe Affronti will also be among the speakers.

After the ceremony, free hot dogs, chips and cupcakes will be served.

"We have a lot of veterans in Temple Terrace and the surrounding communities, and our Veterans Day event is a way to say thank you to all of them for serving our nation," said Michael Dunn, the city's public information officer. "We always draw a large crowd and we look forward to seeing them again this year."

The veterans hospital parade is set for 10 a.m. It will feature more than 35 units, including several veteran-oriented service organizations, high school bands, ROTC groups and Gasparilla krewes. Antique cars also will be on display in the hospital's Diamond parking lot.

At 11 a.m. a free cookout will take place in front of the Fisher House, which is in the middle of the hospital campus.

"We will bring many of our wounded warriors outside to enjoy the festivities," said Ed Caum, a public affairs specialist at the hospital. "This also is a way to put a face on what our veterans have sacrificed in the name of our nation's freedom. The day's festivities should make people appreciate what it means to be an American."

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Veterans Day celebrations

WHERE: Lightfoot Recreation Center, 10901 N. 56th St., Temple Terrace, and the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, 13000 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa

WHEN: Nov. 11. The Temple Terrace ceremony starts at 11 a.m. The James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital parade begins at 10 a.m.

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 731-6026.

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