From Staff Reports, Orange County Newsroom, and the City of Apopka
In Summary:
Apopka and Orange County are joining forces in spirit this Veterans Day to honor those who served with a full slate of local and countywide observances. In Apopka, VFW Post 10147 will host the city’s traditional Veterans Day program at Kit Land Nelson Park at 11 a.m., followed by a community gathering at the Apopka Community Center/VFW and an expanded “Apopka Salutes Its Veterans” banner program recognizing local service members. At the county level, Mayor Jerry L. Demings, the Board of County Commissioners, and the Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Council will hold Orange County’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Monday, November 10, 2025, featuring keynote remarks from Captain Richard T. Sloane, U.S. Navy (Ret.), student performances, a proclamation marking 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War, and the presentation of Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pins. The ceremony will culminate in a rooftop flag unfurling and will be broadcast live on Orange TV. Additionally, the County Administration Center and Convention Center will glow green from November 4 to 11 as part of Operation Green Light, a gesture to show veterans that they are seen and supported.
Apopka and Orange County are preparing a full slate of events to honor veterans this week, with local ceremonies, city banners, and a countywide observance that also marks 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War.
Related: Remembering Armistice Day: A veteran’s hope for peace in a world still at war.
On Tuesday, the City of Apopka and VFW Post 10147 will host the community’s annual Veterans Day Program at Kit Land Nelson Park, beginning at 11 a.m. The ceremony, a longstanding local tradition, will be followed by food and beverages at the Apopka Community Center/VFW, providing residents with an opportunity to thank veterans in person and spend time together after the formal observance.
In conjunction with the ceremony, the City of Apopka will close City Hall and other municipal offices on Tuesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day. Essential services, including police, fire, and emergency response, will continue as usual.
Apopka has also extended its recognition of service members beyond the holiday itself through its “Apopka Salutes Its Veterans” banner program, which places banners honoring veterans at locations throughout the city. This year’s ceremonial banner of highest distinction has been installed directly in front of Apopka City Hall, honoring local veteran Marv Suriff for his military service and lasting contributions to the community.
While Apopka marks Veterans Day at the local level, Orange County Government will host its annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Monday, November 10, 2025, from 11 a.m. to noon, on the front lawn of the Orange County Administration Center, 201 S. Rosalind Ave. in downtown Orlando. Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings, County Commissioners, and the Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Council will honor local veterans and active-duty service members during the event.
The county ceremony will feature keynote speaker Captain Richard T. Sloane, U.S. Navy (Ret.), a 27-year veteran who served with the River Patrol Force in Vietnam, commanded the USS Santa Barbara, and was stationed at the former Naval Training Center in Orlando. His remarks will tie national service to Central Florida’s own military history.
In addition to the keynote address, the program will include:
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Student performances from Cypress Creek, Evans, and East River High Schools
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A Veterans Day Proclamation by Mayor Demings, specifically recognizing the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War
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The presentation of Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pins, offering a tangible “thank you” to those who served in that conflict
The ceremony will conclude with the traditional flag unfurling on the rooftop of the Administration Center — a visual tribute that has become a hallmark of Orange County’s Veterans Day observance.
To further show support, Orange County will participate in Operation Green Light, a nationwide initiative that encourages governments to shine green lights to let veterans know they are seen, appreciated, and supported. The Orange County Administration Building and the Orange County Convention Center will be illuminated in green from November 4 to November 11.
The ceremony will air live on Orange TV (Spectrum 488, Comcast 9, Prism 1081, WSWF 10.2) and stream at www.ocfl.net/OrangeTV or on the Orange TV app via Roku (Education category).
To learn more about the Mayor's Veterans Advisory Council and local veteran services, visit www.ocfl.net/VeteransAdvisoryCouncil.
Together, Apopka’s park ceremony, city office observance, and banner program — alongside Orange County’s formal downtown tribute and Vietnam War commemoration — give Central Florida residents multiple ways to come together, say “thank you” to those who served, and reflect on the sacrifices made by veterans and their families across generations.
Key Points
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Apopka observance: VFW Post 10147 and the City of Apopka will host a Veterans Day program at Kit Land Nelson Park at 11 a.m., followed by food and fellowship at the Apopka Community Center/VFW and the continued display of “Apopka Salutes Its Veterans” banners honoring local service members.
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County ceremony and Vietnam tribute: Orange County’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony will take place Monday, November 10, 2025, at 11 a.m. on the front lawn of the Administration Center, featuring keynote speaker Captain Richard T. Sloane, student performances, a Veterans Day Proclamation marking the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, and the presentation of Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pins.
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Operation Green Light: From November 4 to 11, the Orange County Administration Building and Convention Center will be illuminated green as part of Operation Green Light, a nationwide effort to recognize, appreciate, and support veterans.
