The American Legion Post 54 of Fernandina Beach is once again presenting the Veterans Day parade downtown this Saturday – and an evening presentation on “The History of the American Soldier” is coming back to Fort Clinch that evening after hurricane and pandemic interruptions.
The parade starts at 11 a.m. from Central Park along Ash Street, then turns onto Second Street, then east on Centre Street and back to Central Park.
After the parade, the new brick paver park at the flag area around the American Legion Post will be dedicated. The post will also be serving lunch with music by Island Vibe from 1-4 p.m.
The Saturday night event under the stars at Fort Clinch State Park is a tribute to America’s veterans through the ages.
This living history production is presented by The Friends of Fort Clinch. It features a timeline of soldiers throughout American military history, covering conflicts from the birth of our nation in 1776 through contemporary times.
Through a combination of lighting, period music of past eras, and firing demonstrations of vintage weapons, “The History of the American Soldier” is a top event of the year at Fort Clinch.
It’s both interesting and educational, a unique nighttime show under the stars to share with friends and family — do bring the kids and/or grandkids. Also, bring beach chairs to sit comfortably and relax during the presentation.
Be prepared for the potential chill in the air at night this time of year, considering it also could be breezy at Fort Clinch’s waterfront setting. It’s a good idea to wear a jacket and bring a blanket, in case they’re needed.
EVENT ADMISSION: For the “History of the American Soldier” evening event, bring a canned food item per person – a food drive donation for the local Barnabas Food Pantry.
EVENT TIME: Attendees can enter the Fort’s parade ground starting at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. The presentation officially begins at 7 p.m. and finishes around 8:30 p.m.
FORT CLINCH ADDRESS: For visitors who’ve never been to this Florida state park on Amelia Island, Fort Clinch is located at 2601 Atlantic Ave., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 (about two blocks west of Main Beach Park).
Veterans day used to be knows as “Armistice Day.” It is said that today’s military is not your grandfather’s military and that there has not been a constitutionally declared war since WWII. Decisions to send troop overseas seems to be more about special interests than national interests. We should be more like Switzerland. They have a strong military – but neutral – not putting boots on the ground in some 140 counties. Federal Government expenditures is the main driver of inflation. This happens when you have a “fiat” currency banking system. The American public is continually taxed by the “inflation tax” to pay for all the overseas involvement