Santa Rosa County cancels Veterans Day Parade, plans ceremony at memorial

The Santa Rosa County Veterans Memorial Foundation has decided to cancel this year's Veterans Day Parade as the community continues cleanup and recovery following Hurricane Isaias, but organizers say the commitment to honoring veterans remains unchanged.

Instead of the parade, the foundation is inviting the public to a Veterans Day Ceremony and wreath-laying at the Santa Rosa County Veterans Memorial on November 11 at 11 a.m., weather permitting. Foundation President Tom Powers said in a statement that "our community's safety and recovery must come first."

Following the ceremony, attendees are invited to gather at American Legion Post #78 in Milton for a Flag Retirement ceremony, bonfire, and cookout. Grover's Restaurant is donating food, which will be served by local Santa Rosa County 4-H Club members and volunteers. "Now, more than ever, this is a time for our community to come together, honor our veterans, lend a helping hand, and support one another as we continue to recover and rebuild," Powers said.