This year’s award will be presented to U.S. Navy Seaman Bryant Keith Harrell posthumously.
The city of St. Petersburg will recognize Veterans Day with two events honoring local service members.
Mayor Ken Welch will present the city’s annual Honored Veteran Award during the 12th Annual Veterans Day Ceremony at the Williams Park Veterans Memorial, located at 350 Second Ave. N., at 9 a.m. Tuesday. The ceremony returns to Williams Park after moving to City Hall last year because of impacts from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
This year’s award will be presented to U.S. Navy Seaman Bryant Keith Harrell posthumously for his service and community work. Harrell served aboard the USS Kitty Hawk, where he started the ship’s first fight team. He was an expert in martial arts, gun safety and hand-to-hand combat and provided training to Navy SEALs, active-duty personnel, community members and youth.
With his wife, Leotte, he also founded Midtown Miracles, a nonprofit that taught self-defense and built confidence in young people. The city noted Harrell exemplified the Navy’s core values of honor, courage and commitment.
For more information about the ceremony, contact Helen Rhymes, the city’s social services planning manager, at [email protected], or by calling 727-893-4149.
The city will also host the Victor and Valor Veterans Day Luncheon at the Sunshine Senior Center, located at 330 Fifth Street N., from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday. The event includes a Valor Pinning Ceremony recognizing veterans in attendance and a Community Resource Expo with information on local services and programs for veterans and their families.
Registration is required for the luncheon. The meal is complimentary for veterans, who may bring one guest, and space is limited. Details and registration are available at stpeteparksrec.org/events or by calling 727-893-7133.