The community will have the chance to recognize U.S. military service members next week.

Presented by the MG James L Dozier Lee Coast Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, the Annual Veterans Day Celebration will take place on Nov. 11 at 10:55 a.m. at the flagpole outside of the Sanibel City Hall. Music will be performed at 10:45 a.m. before the program’s start.

“It is to celebrate and recognize the veterans,” retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Fred Bondurant, an organizer of the event and former chapter president, said of the long-standing island tradition.

“We try to make it as much of a small-town community event that we can,” he added.

Led by new Music Director and conductor Melissa Calkin, the BIG ARTS Concert Band will play.

“Like (John Philip) Sousa marches,” he said of the music before the start.

Opening the program, Bondurant will provide the welcome. Boy Scout Troop and Cub Scout Pack 1740 will then raise the flag at 11 a.m., with the help of the Sanibel Police Department’s Honor Guard.

He noted that the flag is raised at 11 a.m. in recognition of the World War II armistice and end of fighting “on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.”

“We try to do that at 11 a.m.,” Bondurant said. “That’s why we start at 10:55 a.m.”

The Pledge of Allegiance and national anthem will be next, followed by the invocation offered by chapter President, American Legion Post 123 Vice Cmdr. and retired U.S. Air Force Col. Tim Moore.

“And we’ll be announcing the change in the name of our officers association chapter,” he said of adding retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. James L. Dozier’s name to the Lee Coast group’s title.

Bondurant explained that Dozier is a Florida native who grew up in Acadia and attended the U.S. Military Academy. He was a prisoner of war with the Red Brigades in the 1970s. Since his retirement, Dozier has been involved with helping veterans, and he is also a member of the Lee Coast chapter.

“Because of his service,” he said of renaming the group in his honor. “And he’s been an important member of our chapter since its founding.”

Mayor Richard Johnson will provide remarks and the veterans among the city’s workforce will be recognized. Next, the winners of the Annual Veterans Day Essay Contest will be presented with their award. Bank of the Islands will present the winners with $100 checks and the runner-up with $50.

Brenna Rheinhart, a graduate of The Sanibel School and U.S. Navy Naval Flight Officer, has been selected as the special guest speaker to provide the Veterans Day address. After separating from active duty in 2021, she joined the U.S. Navy Reserves and currently serves as the Manpower Department head at the Volunteer Training Unit in San Diego, California.

“She’s going to talk about her experience in the Navy,” Bondurant said.

Afterward, the Sanibel school fourth and fifth graders will perform for the first time at the celebration. Led by Music Director Joey Giangreco, they will do “American Tears” and “The Spirit of America.”

“They will sing a couple of melodies, patriotic songs,” he said.

Typically, veterans who passed in the last year would be remembered during the program.

“Fortunately, we don’t have any this year,” Bondurant said.

Next, “Veterans Remembrances” will give attendees the chance to say a few words.

“We give an opportunity to a friend or a relative of a veteran to talk about their veteran’s experience,” he said. “Sometimes a veteran will get up and say something.”

The playing of “Taps” will conclude the celebration.

The community is encouraged to come out.

“To recognize and honor people who have answered their country’s call,” Bondurant said.

Billy’s Rentals will provide bottles of water for those in attendance.

For more information, contact Bondurant at fred@thebrg.net

City Hall is at 800 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.

…..

IF YOU GO

What

Annual Veterans Day Celebration

When

Nov. 11 starting at 10:55 a.m.

Where

Sanibel City Hall, 800 Dunlop Road, Sanibel

Details

Free and open to the community