Veterans Council schedules Nov. 11 ceremony, December wreath-laying in St. Augustine

Mayor Dylan Rumrill spoke with Bill Dudley, chairman of the Veterans Council, about two upcoming veterans events in St. Augustine Beach. "This is an annual event. Actually, it's our signature event for Veterans Council each year on November 11," Dudley said, adding the ceremony will be at Anastasia Baptist Church at 1650 A1A South.

Dudley said doors will open at 9 a.m. and the program begins at 11 a.m. "We have lots and lots of exhibits. In fact, we've got over 50 some exhibits this year," he said, and added that the traveling Vietnam wall and the Global War on Terrorism wall will return as part of the display.

Dudley described the Veterans Day theme as "Passing the torch." "We're gonna have five veterans on the stage that day starting with a World War II veteran, a Korean War veteran, a Vietnam veteran, Gulf War veteran, and a veteran on the OEF OIF," he said. He also said five junior ROTC cadets from Saint Augustine High School, Nease High School, and Bartram Trail High School will be on stage with the veterans.

On the wreath program, Dudley said the council took on the Wreaths Across America observance about 10 years ago and committed that "every headstone in our Saint Augustine National Cemetery would be adorned with a wreath every holiday, every Christmas holiday." He said participation has grown: "I think the attendance the first year we did it was about 50. Last year is about between 450 and 500 people. And it is, hugely, hugely popular." The wreath event is held nationwide on the second Saturday in December at 12:00 noon.

The programs are organized by the Veterans Council with support from local exhibitors and volunteers in St. Johns County. Dudley invited the public to attend both events. "I'm asking the public to come out and be with us that day and see the program that we have that day lined up," he said.

Logistics summarized: Veterans Day — Nov. 11 at Anastasia Baptist Church, 1650 A1A South; doors 9 a.m., program 11 a.m.; more than 50 exhibits; traveling memorial walls on site. Wreaths Across America — second Saturday in December at 12:00 noon at Saint Augustine National Cemetery; council has maintained an annual wreathing for about 10 years.