ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — The Military Officers Association is asking the city of St. Augustine for $20,000 for a Veterans Day parade as one of the final events for this year's 450th celebration.
"Were all focused on it my dad was a WWII veteran submariner buried in Arlington National Cemetery and it is very important to me personally," said St. Augustine Mayor Nancy Shaver.
Shaver said that there is an issue about the amount they are asking for with the deadline they need it secured by.
She said all of the money for the 450th has already been allocated so coming up with an additional $20,000 is a challenge.
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"It's a very exciting opportunity but the reality is it being a city budget that you have hoops you go through and steps you go through in order to achieve that kind of contribution," said Shaver.
The Military Officers Association said one of the reasons they need the money by Friday is to secure foreign and national guests they are inviting to make the trip to St. Augustine.
"We're inviting foreign contingents from France, Spain and England along with their consuls to be here because they had a big part to play in the history of St. Augustine," said Army veteran Col. Rick Erkelens, who is also helping to organize the Veterans Day Parade.
He said this event is important to highlight the history of the city and those in the military who worked to protect it and still do.
If the funding is available by Friday, there will be a Veterans Day Parade through the city; however, if not, there will still be a celebration at Castillo de San Marcos National Monument.
The city said they are working to secure sponsors for the event, and are also expecting private donations.
There is also a possibility that organizers may be able to get money from Tourist Development Council.
Organizers are meeting with the mayor Friday to find out if the money is available and if the Veterans Day Parade will be possible.
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