JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Communities across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia will observe Veterans Day on Wednesday, with a lineup of public parades, memorial ceremonies, community center openings, and school tributes.
Observances honoring military service members are scheduled throughout the region, spanning Duval, Clay, and Union counties in Florida, as well as Glynn, Camden, and Ware counties in Georgia.
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Veterans Day is observed nationally on Nov. 11 to honor those who have served in the U.S. armed forces.
Major regional highlights for the 2026 observance include Florida’s largest Veterans Day parade in downtown Jacksonville, a dual memorial ceremony and community center ribbon-cutting in Atlantic Beach, and an official ceremony on St. Simons Island featuring military leadership from Kings Bay.
NORTHEAST FLORIDA
Jacksonville
The 2026 Jacksonville Veterans Day Parade presented by The Law Offices of Ron Sholes, P.A. begins at 11:01 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 11. Organizers report the annual procession stands as the largest Veterans Day observance in the state of Florida, drawing more than 2,500 participants each year.
The procession features grand marshals, senior military leaders, active-duty and retired military units, veteran organizations, Junior ROTC detachments, local high school marching bands and ornamental floats. The parade is free to attend and open to the public.
Atlantic Beach
The city’s Recreation & Special Events department is organizing two connected morning events on Wednesday, Nov. 11. A Veterans Day ceremony will take place at 9 a.m. at Beaches Veterans Memorial Park to recognize former and active service members.
Immediately following the memorial event, city officials will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:15 a.m. to mark the official opening of the new Marsh Oaks Community Center.
Orange Park
The Historical Society of Orange Park will hold its annual Veterans Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 11. The patriotic program takes place at the Veterans Memorial, located at 1040 Kingsley Ave. in Orange Park.
The ceremony will feature a presentation of the colors, musical performances and a flyover by the Dreamland Squadron operating out of Haller Airfield.
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During the Orange Park ceremony, local students will read winning entries from the Veterans Day Essay Contest and members of the American Legion Post #250 Riders will participate. Organizers noted that seating at the memorial is limited and encourage attendees to bring their own lawn chairs.
No parking will be permitted inside the cemetery grounds; however, event parking is available one block west at the First Baptist Church lot, located at 1140 Kingsley Ave.
Lake Butler
In Union County, Lake Butler Elementary School students will participate in a school-based Veterans Day program on Wednesday, Nov. 11.
Elementary students will attend a special musical performance by the Union County High School Tiger Band. School officials said the performance is designed to educate students on the meaning of Veterans Day and the courage, sacrifice and service of military personnel. The performance is taking place in the UCHS auditorium and all are welcome.
SOUTHEAST GEORGIA
Kingsland
The Camden County Unit of the NAACP Armed Services and Veterans Affairs Committee is partnering with VFW Post 8385 to host a Veterans Day walk and ride in Kingsland on Wednesday, Nov. 11. Parade staging and lineup will begin at 9:45 a.m. along U.S. Highway 17 South at the Moose Lodge, located at 610 S. Lee St.
The parade will step off at 10:30 a.m. and march to Kingsland Veterans Memorial Park, where a Veterans Day ceremony will begin at 11:11 a.m.
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Organizers emphasized that participation in the Kingsland parade is open to all community members, noting that participants do not need to be veterans to walk in the procession.
Individuals who are unable to walk but wish to ride in the parade can reserve a seat by texting 904-849-5365. Inquiries regarding the event can be submitted by text or via email to asva.naacp5177@gmail.com.
St. Simons Island
In Glynn County, the Veterans Council of the Golden Isles and the Golden Isles Veterans’ Village will host Veterans Day festivities on St. Simons Island on Wednesday, Nov. 11. Marchers will assemble at Mallery Park before the parade steps off at 10:15 a.m., moving toward Neptune Park.
The St. Simons Island Veterans Day ceremony begins at 11 a.m. at Neptune Park. Rear Adm. Bret Grabbe, commander of Submarine Group 10 and Task Group 114.4 based at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, will deliver the keynote address. The Navy JROTC from Brunswick High School will present the color guard and the council will announce and present its annual Veteran of the Year award.
Following the ceremony at 12 p.m., Hospice of the Golden Isles will host a barbecue lunch catered by Southern Soul Barbeque at the Casino. The meal is free for military veterans and available for $5 to other guests. Residents seeking more information about the St. Simons Island events can contact event representatives at 912-222-1063.
Waycross
In Ware County, two public observances are scheduled in the Waycross area for Wednesday, Nov. 11. Ruskin Elementary School, located at 3550 Valdosta Hwy., will host a neighborhood Veterans Day Parade at 9 a.m. featuring students, local groups and families. Later that morning at 11 a.m., the Okefenokee Heritage Center at 1460 N. Augusta Ave. will conduct the primary official Veterans Day Program for the Waycross community.
If you know of a community celebration not listed here and you’d like us to add it to our list, email web@actionnewsjax.com.
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