The Veterans of South Pinellas County (VSPC) will host their Fifth Annual Salute to the Military on Saturday, March 28, in Pass-a-Grille Park and on Gulf Way in front of the ‘Legendary’ Hurricane Seafood Restaurant at 9th Avenue and Pass-a-Grille Way.
A Bayway Bridge re-dedication ceremony is being arranged by the City of St. Pete Beach with co-operation of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to kick off the day. Beginning at 9 am at the east end of the new Bayway Bridge, the structure will be re-dedicated to medal of honor recipient, Master Sergeant Gary Lee Littrell, a St. Pete Beach resident. A military flyover and marines rappelling off the bridge to boats below are expected, weather permitting. This will be followed by a parade across the bridge featuring a troop of recruits who will be inducted at around 11:30 am in Pass-a-Grille. Also featured will be several antique fire engines which will be on display in Pass-a-Grille along with a selection of military vehicles. VSPC organizers promise a day of fun for the whole family.
Activities include:
– 10am – 4pm: Competition Car Show.
– 11am – 5pm: Military Street Fair with Sponsor Exhibits, Kid’s Fishing Rodeo, Food Vendors including Bar-B-Q, Seafood tent, Pizza & Italian, among others; and a Silent Auction and 50-50 Donation Raffle.
– 11:30am Opening Ceremonies & Military Induction Ceremony. Weather permitting, a flyover is planned to coincide with the induction ceremony, with a parachuting ranger expected to deliver a flag to be presented to 2nd world war veteran Rolf Pagel in honor of all those who fought in “the war to end all wars” as it was known.
– Noon – 10pm: Concert on the Plaza featuring six bands including: The Blue Water Rock Hounds, Funky Seeds, John Lamkin & Automatic Heat, The Jeremy Thomas Band, Horses Wild and headliner Buffalo Strange.
The charity event will benefit organizations that help service needs of our veterans and active duty personnel. The VSPC is a 501(c)(3) charity and has given over $75,000 in cash and in-kind donations to a variety of non-profit groups that support veterans.
Benefactors this year are:
Building Homes for Heroes; Support The Troops, Wesley Chapel; and Habitat for Humanity’s Veteran Repair Program. “In 2013, Building Homes for Heroes presented a home in St. Petersburg to Sgt. Charles Claybaker that Chase Bank donated and VSPC helped rehabilitate.” says Brooks Cavender, past president & current treasurer. “We continue to focus on helping to fund other projects that assist our heroes returning from service.”
Sponsorship opportunities range from $1,000 to a single $10,000 Diamond Level sponsor. Personal and corporate gifts of all kinds are also appreciated. For more information on sponsorships and donations, call Brooks Cavender 727-244-1117.
Story by STEVE TRAIMAN
Photos courtesy of Veterans of South Pinellas County
[Steve Traiman is President of Creative Copy by Steve Traiman in St. Pete Beach, offering freelance business writing services. He can be reached via his NEW email at traimancreativecopy@gmail.com.]