Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Alachua County Veterans Memorial Committee, the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center and area veterans organizations invite you to the 2009 Veterans Day ceremonies at the Alachua County Veterans Memorial at Kanapaha Park (7400 SW 41^st Pl, Gainesville). Activities will begin at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 11, at the Memorial, located at the corner of Tower Road and S.W. 41st Place.

This year we will recognize all U.S. military veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom-the current conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Through the generosity of citizens throughout North Central Florida, six Alachua County residents who have been killed in those engagements will be recognized with an expansion of the Memorial. The addition will feature both operations and will duplicate the design and scale of the original Memorial.

In addition, two area veterans of the 1944 D-Day invasion will receive Legion of Honor awards from the French government for their valor in helping to liberate France from totalitarian control. Jonathan Pruden, a wounded veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom, will deliver the keynote address

The Lincoln Middle School Band will perform both before and after the ceremonies. A flyover by World War II vintage aircraft, a wreath laying ceremony and other events will be included in the ceremonies.

During the formal ceremonies, the Alachua County Veterans Memorial Committee will also announce the future dedication of a plaque in honor of Alachua County School Board faculty, staff and graduates who have served in our country's military service. The plaque will be installed at the Kirby Smith Building (the headquarters of the Alachua County school district) on a date that will be set later.

Courtesy valet parking is available for handicapped guests (provided by the University of Florida's Air Force ROTC) before and after the celebration. Other guests can park at the VFW post on Waldo Road (1100 Waldo Rd., Rt.e 24, Gainesville) and ride a shuttle bus to Kanapaha Park. Parking for other guests is available at Wiles Elementary School (4601 SW 75th St, Gainesville) and Kanapaha Middle School (5005 SW 75th St, Gainesville). After parking at these facilities, visitors can use a bus to reach the Memorial site. Seating is limited at the park, please bring a chair or other sit-upon.

To view the event flyer, click here.

For more information, contact Alachua County Veterans Services Director, Jim Lynch at 352-264-6740.