Bay Pines VA Healthcare System Shifts Date for Annual Veterans Day Ceremony

The ceremony, which will be the first one held in-person since 2019, will take place at the C.W.Y VA Medical Center (10000 Bay Pines Boulevard, Bay Pines, FL 33744) at the courtyard behind bldg. 37, at 11 a.m. Veterans, their loved ones, and the general public are all welcome to attend this ceremony.

“It’s unfortunate that we must delay this celebration however, honoring our Veterans also means placing their safety at the forefront of our decisions,” said Paul M. Russo, Director/CEO, BPVAHCS. “To me, celebrating Veterans Day is a time when we as Americans gather to honor the selfless men and women who have served our Nation and safeguarded freedom for us all.”

In recognition of the origins of Veterans Day, the ceremony will begin promptly at 11 a.m. During the event, Bay Pines VA’s staff will provide information about health care services as well as resources that are aimed at improving the quality of life for our Veterans. There will also be a static display of antique military vehicles, a presentation of colors by MacDill Air Force Base’s Honor Guard, and more.

Guest speakers for the event include local leaders from BPVAHCS, the St. Petersburg VA Regional Office, and the Bay Pines National Cemetery. U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. (retired) Martin Steele will serve as the keynote speaker for this year’s event.

Lt. Gen. Steele began his distinguished career in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1965, where he proudly served for 34 and a half years. He completed his tenure in 1999, as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans, Policies, and Operations at Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps in Washington, D.C. After retirement, he continued to serve our country as a Congressionally appointed consultant to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

The ceremony will be conducted rain or shine, except in an instance of extreme weather, so please plan appropriately for inclement weather. The venue is handicapped accessible, and seating will be provided during the ceremony. Parking for the event will be available near bldg. 37.

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