Doing up Veterans Day right

East side, west side, all around the town there are lots of Veterans Day events in Manatee County this year.

Several schools had events today, and the Women’s Resource Center of Sarasota County Inc. is celebrating the accomplishments of area women who served in the U.S. Armed Forces with a Salute to Women Veterans 5:30-7:30 p.m. today at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing, 7051 Wireless Court, Lakewood Ranch. RSVPs are required for this free community event.

Also, today the expansion of services to veterans was announced for the Bradenton Community VA Clinic. For more on that, and other veterans coverage and stories, see Thursday's Herald.

FYI, here's some of what's planned for Thursday, Nov. 11.

Manatee County pays  tribute to its veterans, living and dead, with its annual Veterans Day parade and service in Palmetto. Staging for the parade begins at the Manatee County Fairgrounds in Palmetto at 8:30 a.m. The parade is scheduled to step out from the fairgrounds at 9:30 a.m., led by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office color guard. The parade will make its way south to Lamb and Sutton Park, 700 10th Ave. W., for a program at 11 a.m. Palmetto Mayor Shirley Groover-Bryant is scheduled to be the keynote speaker. County Commissioner Larry Bustle will read a Veterans Day proclamation.

Afterward, VFW Post 2488, 810 Sixth St. W., Palmetto will have a cookout and is inviting any vet to eat free. Non-vets may also join in for a donation.

Other local Veterans Day events:

Gettel Toyota Collision Center, 6423 14th Street W., Bradenton, with the help of State Farm Insurance and Wheels of Success have combined their efforts and will be giving away a vehicle to a local veteran in need 2 p.m. today . Prizes and gifts will also be awarded.

Veterans groups, VA dignitaries and the public are invited to participate in the Veterans Day observance on Lakewood Ranch Main Street 3-6 p.m. today.The horse drawn military caisson used at Sarasota National Cemetery will be there along with a military honor guard for the displaying of the colors and playing of taps at 4 p.m.

Maj. Gen. Robert John Kasulke will speak at the Sarasota-Manatee Chapter, Reserve Officers Association 18th annual Veterans Day Dinner to be held at the Bird Key Yacht Club, Sarasota today . Kasulke commands the U.S. Army Reserve Medical Command, Pinellas Park. Information and reservations: Col. Ed Brown, (941) 923-9861 or edbrown9@comcast.net.

Free flu shots are being offered to all veterans while supplies last at Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch Urgent Care, located at 4647 Manatee Ave. W. and 9908 State Road 64 East today . Information: 745-5999 or visit www.BradentonUrgentCare.com.

Freedom Elementary School will hold its annual “Let Freedom Ring Courtyard” Ceremony 9 a.m. Friday. Veterans will be on hand at the ceremony along with patriotic musical performances by students and flags representing all of the U.S. Military Services. Information: Freedom Principal Jim Mennes at 708-4990.

Veterans Honor Dinner at Country Pancake House 6-7 p.m. Friday dedicating Veterans Memorial Park San Marco Plaza, Lakewood Ranch. Information: (813) 416-8456.

Dedication ceremony for Veterans Memorial Park set for 1 p.m. Saturday at Lakewood Ranch’s San Marco Plaza. Information: (813) 416-8456.

Chaplain’s service set for 10 a.m. Sunday at Veterans Memorial Park at Lakewood Ranch’s San Marco Plaza. Information: (813) 416-8456.

Suncoast Workforce will hold a Suncoast Veterans Expo 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Sarasota-Bradenton International Convention Center, 8005 15th St. E., southern Manatee County. This Expo will include a job fair with space limited to 50 employers, presentations on employability skills, and resources available in Manatee and Sarasota counties through community-based organizations. The Veteran’s Expo will be open to the general public from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Jim