Honoring our Heroes | Southwest Florida to mark Veterans Day | Cape Coral parade set for Saturday
Cape Coral’s thank-you to its rich veteran population is back again this year, with the Veterans Day Parade to step off onto Cape Coral Parkway this Saturday.
Marching down the parkway starting at 11 a.m. — right around the same time and date the armistice was signed 106 years ago marking the end of World War I — Southwest Florida’s proud military and veteran community will be on full display as American flags are to be waved, red, white and blue garb worn, and military gear proudly displayed.
The route travels along the parkway on the south side heading west, from Cape Coral Street to Chester Street. The Veterans Day celebration is a cooperative effort of the City of Cape Coral Parks and Recreation and local community volunteers.
“The Veterans Day Parade honors our American Heroes and pays tribute to those who lost their lives, those who served honorably, and those still proudly serving our country,” said city Special Events Coordinator Todd King. “On average, we estimate that between 3,000 and 5,000 people will attend the parade.”
Veterans Day is a designated national holiday to honor all of the men and women who have served across all spectrums of the United States Armed Forces, and to commemorate their sacrifice to ensure the freedoms we have today as Americans.
More than 20 local veterans and organizations representing various branches of the military will fill Cape Coral Parkway, along with countless members of the community who want to show their support.
This year’s Grand Marshal is Capt. Petros “Pete” Kurkimilis, who is a living embodiment of service, sacrifice, and legacy. With 51 years of combined service in the U.S. Merchant Marines and the U.S. Marine Corps, Kurkimilis’ military career spans three wars-World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War-and includes some of the most dangerous and pivotal operations in history: Murmansk Run, the Normandy Invasion, and command service during Vietnam. A member of the World War II Merchant Mariners who lied about his age to enlist at 15, his distinguished service earned him the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the nation’s highest civilian honors.
Kurkimilis has lived in Lee County for more than four decades and celebrated his 99th birthday in July 2025.
“As one of the few remaining World War II veterans in our region, he humbly holds his place as one of our community’s most cherished living connections to the Greatest Generation,” King said.
Parking can be found at Big John’s Plaza, 1215 Cape Coral Parkway E.; the old Military Museum parking lot, 4280 Leonard St.; Iguana Mia Parking Lot, 1027 Cape Coral Parkway E.; and Club Square, 4635 Southeast 10th Place.
Road closures will be in place for the Veterans Day Parade from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
Midpoint Madness/Veterans Day 5K
The Midpoint Madness/Veterans Day 5K Run/Walk will close the Midpoint Bridge from 6 to 9 p.m. on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. The race starts at 6:30 p.m.
The 3.1 mile night race begins and ends at the Fort Myers side of the Midpoint Bridge, taking runners out and back to finish at Royal Palm Square. Proceeds to benefit the Fort Myers YMCA financial assistance program.
Motorists are encouraged to use the Cape Coral Bridge or the U.S. 41 and Business 41 bridges as alternate routes. Lee County Department of Transportation has placed message boards to alert motorists of the closure.
For information about the annual Veterans Day event, contact the YMCA of Southwest Florida-Fort Myers at ymcaswfl.org. Pre- and post-race activities will be at Royal Palm Square at the base of the Midpoint Bridge in Fort Myers at 1400 Colonial Blvd. To sign up to enter the race, visit runsignup.com.
For more information about the Lee County Department of Transportation, visit leegov.com or email traffic concerns to LeeTrafficTOC@leegov.com. For questions regarding the bridge closure, call 239-533-9400.
VFW Post 8463 Auxiliary offering free lunches for veterans
On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, starting at 2 p.m., veterans can receive a free barbecue chicken meal at the VFW Post 8463 thanks to the post’s auxiliary. The first 100 veterans at the post will get a free meal, and they do not have to be a post member. Post 8463 has been providing free meals for veterans on Veterans Day for many years.
“It’s very important for us to offer these free meals for veterans, because a lot of vets are homeless,” said Post 8463 Auxiliary member Bob Napoli. “A lot of vets locally don’t have family down here that can provide meals for them. That’s what we’re willing to do to help our local vets, which is very important to the post.”
VFW Post 8463 is at 4709 SE 11th Place.
Tribute to Our Veterans Concert
Epiphany Episcopal Church will host a concert by Brass Music Elements, “A Tribute to Our Veterans: A celebration of our Veterans” on Nov. 14 starting at 6 p.m.
The concert includes an evening of music, followed by a light reception with hors d’oeuvres and refreshments.
Brass Music Elements is led by Founder Tom Hessney, and is an 18-piece brass band that also features vocalists.
“We wanted to do something to recognize and thank our veterans,” said event organizer and parishioner Lori Brown. “We want to remember and thank our veterans for all that they’ve done for us, and we thought this was a great way to do it.”
According to his bio, Hessney is a life-long music educator and performing musician, who has assembled a great group of musicians who share his passion for the music BME plays. In addition to being a talented trumpeter, he also arranges the music for the ensemble and is the director as well. In addition to BME, Tom performs with the Naples Concert Band and the Bonita Springs Concert Band.
The band is made up of local players that have long-standing ties to the music realm, featuring flugelhorn, French horn, bass, percussion, trumpet, trombone, tuba and keyboard.
The concert will feature many patriotic songs, as well as other titles.
The event is a fundraiser, with tickets being $25, and benefit Epiphany Episcopal Church and their local charitable endeavors, such as distributing hurricane preparedness kits.
For tickets, call 239-770-4468 or 239-218-7556.
Epiphany Episcopal Church is at 2507 Del Prado Blvd. S.
Cape Coral Senior Community Shines Spotlight on Remarkable Female WWII Veteran for Veterans Day
In honor of our American heroes, Brookdale Cape Coral, a local senior living community, is shining the spotlight on a special World War II Veteran for Veterans Day this year. They will also host a special Veterans Day Ceremony on Veterans Day.
Almeda Sirko, 98, was a U.S. cadet in the Nurse Corps from 1945 through 1948 during World War II. She comes from a long line of service. Her great-grandfather and great uncle served in the Civil War. Her father, brother, brother-in-law, husband, nephews and one niece all served in the military. After the war, she served in the medical field for many years. She was recently honored by a Certificate of Recognition and commemorative coin as a member of the Military Women’s Memorial Square Foot Society.
Brookdale will host its Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11 at 10:45 a.m.
Brookdale Cape Coral is at 1416 Country Club Blvd.
A salute to service, Broadway lights, and classic Americana
The Lee County Community Band opens its 2025-2026 season by honoring veterans and celebrating American music across generations. Under the direction of Band Director Gil Peltola, the 60-plus member ensemble will perform patriotic classics, Broadway favorites, and music that has lifted stages and parade grounds across the nation.
The free and open-to-the-public concert takes place on Nov. 9 at 3 p.m. in the Mariner High School auditorium, 701 Chiquita Blvd.
For more information, visit www.leecountyband.org.
Florida SouthWestern State College to host Veterans Day Ceremony
Florida SouthWestern State College and FSW Veteran Services invite students, faculty, staff, and community members to join in honoring those who have served our country at an annual Veterans Day Ceremony to be held Nov. 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Building U Room 102 on the Lee Campus in Fort Myers.
Organizers state year’s event will feature a patriotic celebration recognizing the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of military veterans and active-duty service members. Guests will enjoy free food and giveaways, along with opportunities to connect with fellow attendees and learn more about the resources available through FSW Veteran Services.
FSW Veteran Services is dedicated to assisting veterans, active-duty service members, and their families in achieving academic success. The department offers support through benefit certification and campus-wide initiatives that foster community and honor military service. For more information, visit fsw.edu.
Sanibel
The city of Sanibel invites the community to honor the brave men and women who have served our nation at a Veterans Day Celebration to be held Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. The ceremony will take place at Sanibel City Hall, at 800 Dunlop Road.
Presented in collaboration with American Legion Post 123 under the direction of Colonel Tim Moore, U.S. Air Force (Retired), Commander of American Legion Post 123 and President of the Military Officers Association of America, the program will feature heartfelt tributes and patriotic performances honoring all who have served.
The celebration will include a special performance by the BIG ARTS Concert Band, a flag-raising ceremony led by Boy Scout Pack and Troop 1740, and the National Anthem performed by Linda Goebelt.
This year’s honored speaker will be Commander Susan Sablan, United States Navy, who will share her reflections on service, sacrifice, and community. In addition, the city will recognize Sanibel residents and city workforce members who have served in the Armed Forces, extending gratitude for their dedication and sacrifice.
“The City of Sanibel encourages all residents and visitors to come together in unity and gratitude as we honor our veterans, active service members, and their families for their unwavering commitment to our nation,” city officials stated.
For more information, contact the Sanibel Recreation Center at 239-472-0345.
Bonita Springs
The city of Bonita Springs and the Veterans Advisory Committee invite the public to attend the annual Veterans Day Ceremony. The ceremony will take place at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 11, in Riverside Park in Downtown Bonita Springs, at 10450 Reynolds St.
This year’s ceremony will feature guest speaker Colonel Martin Spann, U.S. Marine Corps/U.S. Army (Ret). Colonel Spann has received awards such as the Three Bronze Stars, Purple Heart Medal, Master Combat Infantry Badge and Combat Action Badge, and the Soldiers’ Medal.
The ceremony will also include traditional commemorations such as the Aisle of Flags, 21-Gun Salute, posting of the colors, and musical tributes. The Veterans Day Ceremony was organized by the volunteers of the city of Bonita Springs Veterans Advisory Committee.
“Please join us as we recognize and honor all the service men and women who have previously served or are in active service within the six branches of the U.S. Military,” city officials stated.
There will be a road closure along Old 41 Road from Wilson to Childers streets during the ceremony from approximately 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The road closure will provide a more dignified environment to conduct the ceremony.
For questions about the ceremony, please call 239-949-6262 or visit the city of Bonita Springs website.
Sarasota National Cemetery to honor veterans
The Diocese of Venice in Florida will celebrate a Mass on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, at the Sarasota National Cemetery. The Mass is at 3 p.m., with opening ceremonies at 2:45 p.m.
All are welcome.
“This annual outdoor Mass at the National Cemetery has become a sacred tradition in the Diocese,” said the Most Rev. Frank J. Dewane, Bishop of the Diocese of Venice in Florida, in a release. “It reminds us of veterans’ service and sacrifice and provides an opportunity to recognize and pray for all those past and present who protect the freedoms we enjoy.”
This annual Mass, now in its 16th year, is held with the intention of thanking and honoring all men and women who have served our country, many of whom are laid to rest at the Sarasota National Cemetery.
It is also an opportunity to honor and pray for those who continue to serve in the Armed Forces of the United States.
All are encouraged to arrive early, and military service personnel, both active and retired, are encouraged to wear their uniforms.
This effort to honor veterans is assisted every year by the Knights of Columbus, who work diligently to support this annual event.
Sarasota National Cemetery is located at 9810 State Road 72, 4 miles east of I-75 (exit 205, Clark Road).
Ample parking is provided, and golf cart shuttles will be available for those in need of assistance.
To reach CJ HADDAD, please email cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com