Bay Pines VA Hosts Annual Veterans Day Ceremony
PRESS RELEASE
November 12, 2024
BAY PINES , FL — Today, Bay Pines VA Healthcare System hosted our annual Veterans Day Ceremony at the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center Campus. The ceremony took place in the Veterans Courtyard and, in keeping with the traditions of Veterans Day, began promptly at 11 a.m.
“Veterans Day provides us an opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to Veterans for the freedoms they’ve guaranteed for us,” said Bay Pines VA Interim Director Kristine Brown. “We are grateful to come together to celebrate America’s heroes while reinforcing our commitment to serve them with the dignity and care they deserve.”
During the event, Bay Pines VA Interim Director Kristine Brown, St. Petersburg Regional Office (VBA) Director Julie Boor, Florida National Cemetery Acting Director Roberto Pizarro, and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna delivered remarks. The keynote speaker for the event was U.S. Army Retired Capt. Maxine Reyes.
“Veterans Day means honoring our Veterans for their service, and what they continue to do in our communities,” Reyes stated. “Many Veterans I’ve met feel the urge to withdraw from society, but I think it’s important to remember that they’re not alone. I encourage every Veteran to build a support system by staying engaged.”
A performance of “God Bless America” was delivered by the Keswick Christian School Choir and the Keswick Christian School Band also provided musical performances. At the conclusion of the ceremony, staff from several of Bay Pines VA’s services offered assistance and education about the various resources Bay Pines VA provides to our Nation’s heroes and their loved ones.
For additional information on this event or future coverage opportunities:
Contact Bay Pines VA Healthcare System’s Public Affairs Officer Medina Ayala-Lo at Medina.AyalaLo@va.gov or 727-273-4447. See the latest news, stories, and Veteran health care information available on our official website at www.baypines.va.gov and on our official social media accounts at Facebook and Twitter.
Medina Ayala-Lo, Public Affairs Officer