Salute to Service

This annual event is free and open to the public.

Visitors will enjoy interactive displays, a heartfelt ceremony that will recognize a special group of veterans, and watch presentations focused on topics impacting veterans.

Veteran Recognitions

This county-run event, presented by Vystar, is aimed to honor the men and women who are serving or have served our country and their families.

We will recognize the top 17 nominees for 2024 Veteran of the Year and will announce this year’s recipient of this significant award.

Food, Entertainment, and Interactive Displays

Visitors will get a close-up look at several types of military equipment, a display from Camp Blanding Museum, a variety of food trucks, a kids’ zone that includes face painting and a bubble zone, and a car show from Clay County Cruzers.

Plus, visitors are also encouraged to drop by and get to know the wonderful staff representing our Veteran Services Office. Our VSO officers and staff will be on hand to provide information on the services they provide for our county’s veterans and their families. Staff from Clay County’s other departments will also be on hand with activities and information.

Ceremony

The ceremony includes the singing of the National Anthem and the Presentation of Colors by the Black Creek Young Marines.

The keynote address will be delivered by Rear Admiral Jack Scorby, USN (Retired), who has received a number of personal awards and has also served as the commanding officer of Naval Air Station Jacksonville, among the notable assignments throughout his illustrious career.

Presentation Topics

◘ Author-led introduction to military biography/history book: Local author Lieutenant Colonel R. V. Little, Jr. (Ret) will spotlight “Three Cold Wars: A Vermont Citizen-Soldier’s Life in Infantry”, a book that explores his father’s military career, and Little’s service in Vietnam and the Cold War as both an Intelligence and Infantry officer.

◘ The PACT Act: Learn about the law that expands VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances.

◘ Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): Find out more about the monthly benefit paid by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to survivors of service members who die in the line of duty.

◘ Service Connected Cards: If you’re a veteran who has been awarded service-connected status after your Veteran Identification Card has been issued, or your service-connected status is not properly documented on your card, we’ll break down the steps you can follow to request a new card to be issued.