Cape Coral\u2019s thank-you to its rich veteran population is back again this year, with the Veterans Day Parade to step off onto Cape Coral Parkway this Saturday. <\/p>\n
Marching down the parkway starting at 11 a.m. \u2014 right around the same time and date the armistice was signed 106 years ago marking the end of World War I \u2014 Southwest Florida\u2019s proud military and veteran community will be on full display as American flags are to be waved, red, white and blue garb worn, and military gear proudly displayed.<\/p>\n
The route travels along the parkway on the south side heading west, from Cape Coral Street to Chester Street. The Veterans Day celebration is a cooperative effort of the City of Cape Coral Parks and Recreation and local community volunteers.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Veterans Day Parade honors our American Heroes and pays tribute to those who lost their lives, those who served honorably, and those still proudly serving our country,\u201d said city Special Events Coordinator Todd King. \u201cOn average, we estimate that between 3,000 and 5,000 people will attend the parade.\u201d<\/p>\n
Veterans Day is a designated national holiday to honor all of the men and women who have served across all spectrums of the United States Armed Forces, and to commemorate their sacrifice to ensure the freedoms we have today as Americans.<\/p>\n
More than 20 local veterans and organizations representing various branches of the military will fill Cape Coral Parkway, along with countless members of the community who want to show their support.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s Grand Marshal is Capt. Petros \u201cPete\u201d Kurkimilis, who is a living embodiment of service, sacrifice, and legacy. With 51 years of combined service in the U.S. Merchant Marines and the U.S. Marine Corps, Kurkimilis\u2019 military career spans three wars \u2014 World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War \u2014 and includes some of the most dangerous and pivotal operations in history: Murmansk Run, the Normandy Invasion, and command service during Vietnam. A member of the World War II Merchant Mariners who lied about his age to enlist at 15, his distinguished service earned him the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the nation\u2019s highest civilian honors.<\/p>\n
Kurkimilis has lived in Lee County for more than four decades and celebrated his 99th birthday in July 2025. <\/p>\n
\u201cAs one of the few remaining World War II veterans in our region, he humbly holds his place as one of our community\u2019s most cherished living connections to the Greatest Generation,\u201d King said. <\/p>\n
Parking can be found at Big John\u2019s Plaza, 1215 Cape Coral Parkway E.<\/a>; the old Military Museum parking lot, 4280 Leonard St.<\/a>; Iguana Mia Parking Lot, 1027 Cape Coral Parkway E.<\/a>; and Club Square, 4635 Southeast 10th Place<\/a>.<\/p>\n Road closures will be in place for the Veterans Day Parade from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.<\/p>\n Midpoint Madness\/Veterans Day 5K<\/p>\n The Midpoint Madness\/Veterans Day 5K Run\/Walk will close the Midpoint Bridge from 6 to 9 p.m. on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. The race starts at 6:30 p.m.<\/p>\n The 3.1 mile night race begins and ends at the Fort Myers side of the Midpoint Bridge, taking runners out and back to finish at Royal Palm Square. Proceeds to benefit the Fort Myers YMCA financial assistance program.<\/p>\n Motorists are encouraged to use the Cape Coral Bridge or the U.S. 41 and Business 41 bridges as alternate routes. Lee County Department of Transportation has placed message boards to alert motorists of the closure.<\/p>\n For information about the annual Veterans Day event, contact the YMCA of Southwest Florida-Fort Myers at ymcaswfl.org<\/a>. Pre- and post-race activities will be at Royal Palm Square at the base of the Midpoint Bridge in Fort Myers at 1400 Colonial Blvd.<\/a> To sign up to enter the race, visit runsignup.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n For more information about the Lee County Department of Transportation, visit leegov.com<\/a> or email traffic concerns to LeeTrafficTOC@leegov.com<\/a>. For questions regarding the bridge closure, call 239-533-9400.<\/p>\n VFW Post 8463 Auxiliary offering free lunches for veterans<\/p>\n On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, starting at 2 p.m., veterans can receive a free barbecue chicken meal at the VFW Post 8463 thanks to the post\u2019s auxiliary. The first 100 veterans at the post will get a free meal, and they do not have to be a post member. Post 8463 has been providing free meals for veterans on Veterans Day for many years. <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s very important for us to offer these free meals for veterans, because a lot of vets are homeless,\u201d said Post 8463 Auxiliary member Bob Napoli. \u201cA lot of vets locally don\u2019t have family down here that can provide meals for them. That\u2019s what we\u2019re willing to do to help our local vets, which is very important to the post.\u201d<\/p>\n VFW Post 8463 is at 4709 SE 11th Place<\/a>.<\/p>\n Tribute to Our Veterans Concert<\/p>\n Epiphany Episcopal Church will host a concert by Brass Music Elements, \u201cA Tribute to Our Veterans: A celebration of our Veterans\u201d on Nov. 14 starting at 6 p.m.<\/p>\n The concert includes an evening of music, followed by a light reception with hors d\u2019oeuvres and refreshments. <\/p>\n Brass Music Elements<\/a> is led by Founder Tom Hessney, and is an 18-piece brass band that also features vocalists. <\/p>\n \u201cWe wanted to do something to recognize and thank our veterans,\u201d said event organizer and parishioner Lori Brown. \u201cWe want to remember and thank our veterans for all that they\u2019ve done for us, and we thought this was a great way to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n According to his bio, Hessney is a life-long music educator and performing musician, who has assembled a great group of musicians who share his passion for the music BME plays. In addition to being a talented trumpeter, he also arranges the music for the ensemble and is the director as well. In addition to BME, Tom performs with the Naples Concert Band and the Bonita Springs Concert Band.<\/p>\n The band is made up of local players that have long-standing ties to the music realm, featuring flugelhorn, French horn, bass, percussion, trumpet, trombone, tuba and keyboard. <\/p>\n The concert will feature many patriotic songs, as well as other titles. <\/p>\n The event is a fundraiser, with tickets being $25, and benefit Epiphany Episcopal Church and their local charitable endeavors, such as distributing hurricane preparedness kits. <\/p>\n For tickets, call 239-770-4468 or 239-218-7556.<\/p>\n Epiphany Episcopal Church is at 2507 Del Prado Blvd. S.<\/a><\/p>\n Cape Coral Senior Community Shines Spotlight on Remarkable Female WWII Veteran for Veterans Day<\/p>\n In honor of our American heroes, Brookdale Cape Coral<\/a>, a local senior living community, is shining the spotlight on a special World War II Veteran for Veterans Day this year. They will also host a special Veterans Day Ceremony on Veterans Day.<\/p>\n Almeda Sirko, 98, was a U.S. cadet in the Nurse Corps from 1945 through 1948 during World War II. She comes from a long line of service. Her great-grandfather and great-uncle served in the Civil War. Her father, brother, brother-in-law, husband, nephews and one niece all served in the military. After the war, she served in the medical field for many years. She was recently honored by a Certificate of Recognition and commemorative coin as a member of the Military Women\u2019s Memorial Square Foot Society.<\/p>\n Brookdale will host its Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11 at 10:45 a.m.<\/p>\n Brookdale Cape Coral is at 1416 Country Club Blvd.<\/a><\/p>\n A salute to service, Broadway lights, and classic Americana<\/p>\n The Lee County Community Band opens its 2025-2026 season by honoring veterans and celebrating American music across generations. Under the direction of Band Director Gil Peltola, the 60-plus member ensemble will perform patriotic classics, Broadway favorites, and music that has lifted stages and parade grounds across the nation.<\/p>\n The free and open-to-the-public concert takes place on Nov. 9 at 3 p.m. in the Mariner High School auditorium, 701 Chiquita Blvd. N.<\/a> <\/p>\n For more information, visit leecountyband.org<\/a>. <\/p>\n Florida SouthWestern State College to host Veterans Day Ceremony<\/p>\n Florida SouthWestern State College<\/a> and FSW Veteran Services invite students, faculty, staff, and community members to join in honoring those who have served our country at an annual Veterans Day Ceremony to be held Nov. 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Building U Room 102 on the Lee Campus in Fort Myers<\/a>.<\/p>\n Organizers state year\u2019s event will feature a patriotic celebration recognizing the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of military veterans and active-duty service members. Guests will enjoy free food and giveaways, along with opportunities to connect with fellow attendees and learn more about the resources available through FSW Veteran Services.<\/p>\n FSW Veteran Services is dedicated to assisting veterans, active-duty service members, and their families in achieving academic success. The department offers support through benefit certification and campus-wide initiatives that foster community and honor military service. For more information, visit fsw.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n Sanibel<\/p>\n The city of Sanibel invites the community to honor the brave men and women who have served our nation at a Veterans Day Celebration to be held Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. The ceremony will take place at Sanibel City Hall, at 800 Dunlop Road<\/a>.<\/p>\n Presented in collaboration with American Legion Post 123<\/a> under the direction of Colonel Tim Moore, U.S. Air Force (Retired), Commander of American Legion Post 123 and President of the Military Officers Association of America, the program will feature heartfelt tributes and patriotic performances honoring all who have served.<\/p>\n The celebration will include a special performance by the BIG ARTS Concert Band, a flag-raising ceremony led by Boy Scout Pack and Troop 1740, and the National Anthem performed by Linda Goebelt.<\/p>\n This year\u2019s honored speaker will be Commander Susan Sablan, United States Navy, who will share her reflections on service, sacrifice, and community. In addition, the city will recognize Sanibel residents and city workforce members who have served in the Armed Forces, extending gratitude for their dedication and sacrifice. <\/p>\n \u201cThe City of Sanibel encourages all residents and visitors to come together in unity and gratitude as we honor our veterans, active service members, and their families for their unwavering commitment to our nation,\u201d city officials stated.<\/p>\n For more information, contact the Sanibel Recreation Center at 239-472-0345.<\/p>\n Bonita Springs <\/p>\n The city of Bonita Springs and the Veterans Advisory Committee invite the public to attend the annual Veterans Day Ceremony. The ceremony will take place at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 11, in Riverside Park in downtown Bonita Springs, at 10450 Reynolds St.<\/a><\/p>\n This year\u2019s ceremony will feature guest speaker Colonel Martin Spann, U.S. Marine Corps\/U.S. Army (Ret). Colonel Spann has received awards such as the Three Bronze Stars, Purple Heart Medal, Master Combat Infantry Badge and Combat Action Badge, and the Soldiers\u2019 Medal.<\/p>\n The ceremony will also include traditional commemorations such as the Aisle of Flags, 21-Gun Salute, posting of the colors, and musical tributes. The Veterans Day Ceremony was organized by the volunteers of the city of Bonita Springs Veterans Advisory Committee. <\/p>\n \u201cPlease join us as we recognize and honor all the service men and women who have previously served or are in active service within the six branches of the U.S. Military,\u201d city officials stated.<\/p>\n There will be a road closure along Old 41 Road from Wilson Street to Childers Street during the ceremony from approximately 8 to 11 a.m. <\/p>\n The road closure will provide a more dignified environment to conduct the ceremony.<\/p>\n For questions about the ceremony, please call 239-949-6262 or visit the city of Bonita Springs website<\/a>.<\/p>\n Sarasota National Cemetery to honor veterans<\/p>\n