For a Purple Heart City with a rich veteran presence, an unfortunate decision has been made to cancel this year’s annual Veterans Day Parade in downtown Cape Coral.

Though Hurricane Ian has left Cape Coral Parkway, the usual stage for the parade, not the safest for participants and viewers, the city will still honor those that have served.

The Cape Coral’s Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a Veterans Recognition Breakfast on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, at Founders Park starting at 9 a.m. The event is free to attend, but registration is required. The breakfast is for Cape Coral veterans and veteran groups.

“All of us were disappointed in the decision. We’re a veteran city,” said city Special Events Coordinator Todd King. “We got knocked down a little bit because of the hurricane, but we still wanted to recognize their service and honor these individuals for what they’ve done for our country.”

The breakfast has a capacity of 300 and takes place under a large tent outdoors. The Cape Coral Police Department honor guard, local JROTC and other components will be featured in the program.

King said in speaking with the Cape Coral police and fire departments, the aftermath of Hurricane Ian looms too present to safely carry out the well-attended celebration.

“Based on the conditions of the South Cape, the lingering debris, the things you may not see in grassy areas where we stage parade elements, for the general safety of the public, it was best to offer a recognition breakfast instead of the parade,” King said.

He said it’s extra special for the city when World War II veterans, members of the “Greatest Generation,” have the opportunity to be recognized at local events.

“Every opportunity we have to honor that great World War is important, for not only them, but also our young people,” King said. “The further removed you are from things or are not able to talk to an individual from that era, the less you remember. Sadly, the Greatest Generation is slowly diminishing.”

King teased that there may be plans in the works to honor veterans during the 2023 July 4 celebration.

Each veteran that plans to attend must bring their Military ID, and each veteran can bring a guest to join them. Those who are planning on bringing a guest must register for two tickets (all tickets are free).

To register, visit “http://Eventbrite.com” rel=”noopener noreferrer” target=”_blank”>Eventbrite.com and search “Veterans Recognition Breakfast.”

Founders Park is at 929 S.E. 46th Lane in Cape Coral.

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