(PENSACOLA, Fla.) — Gov. Ron DeSantis has issued proclamations recognizing November as Veterans Appreciation Month since 2024. That year, he signed House Bill 357, which designated each November as Veterans Appreciation Month, replacing Veterans Week with a monthlong observance.
Illustration: Military-themed composite image.
On Oct. 30, DeSantis signed this year’s proclamation recognizing Veterans Day and Veterans Appreciation Month in Florida. The proclamation says Florida is home to nearly 1.4 million veterans and describes the state as especially supportive of military members and veterans. (Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, “Florida Honors Veterans on Veterans Day and Veterans Appreciation Month.”)Florida Honors Veterans on Veterans Day and Veterans Appreciation Month – Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs
A legislative committee analysis cited in Florida Politics reported that about 250,000 service members leave military service each year to enter civilian employment or higher education. It also cited 20 major military installations in Florida, 65,159 active-duty personnel, 37,833 National Guard and reserve personnel, and approximately 1.43 million veterans. These figures are from the cited analysis and should not be presented as current without checking the underlying report. (Florida Politics)
Photo: Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs/X account. Proclamation signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
How the Month Is Observed
Under the law, local governments, schools and community groups are encouraged to:
Host parades, ceremonies, and community events
Offer recognition programs for veterans and their families
Provide educational activities about military service and sacrifice. (Source: Reporting on HB 357, “Gov. DeSantis signs Veterans Appreciation Month measure.”)Gov. DeSantis signs 'Veterans Appreciation Month' measure
Several events are listed in Pensacola during November. Interested members of the public should confirm details with the organizers before attending:
Saturday, Nov. 7 — PMs on the Bay: Blue Angels Edition. The PMI Emerald Coast Chapter is organizing a networking event aboard the Pensacola Bay City Ferry, with views of the Blue Angels and recognition of veterans and the Marine Corps’ 251st birthday. Boarding is scheduled for 12:45 p.m., departure at 1 p.m., and return at approximately 3:45 p.m. The ferry departs from 750 S. Commendencia St., Pensacola. An informal gathering is planned afterward at Jaco’s Bayfront Bar & Grille, 997 S. Palafox St. Organizers advise allowing extra time for parking and say tickets are limited. Registration: https://pmiemeraldcoastfl.starchapter.com/meetinginfo.php?id=593&ts=1788456640https://pmiemeraldcoastfl.starchapter.com/meetinginfo.php?id=593&ts=1788456640
Event flyer: PMs on the Bay: Blue Angels Edition, via AllEvents. Reuse permission should be confirmed.PMs on the Bay: Blue Angels Edition, Pensacola Bay City Ferry, 7 November 2026 | AllEvents
Sunday, Nov. 8 — Veterans Day recognition at Momentum Church. The church plans special music, a message from Pastor Tim and a gift for each veteran. A free, private luncheon with Pastor Tim and Pastor Stephanie is scheduled for 1 p.m. at the Pensacola campus. The church lists activities beginning at 8 a.m. at 3300 Summit Blvd., Pensacola, FL 32503. The luncheon requires an RSVP. (Source: Momentum Church)
Event graphic: Momentum Church, 2026 Veterans Day observance.
Wednesday, Nov. 11 — Veterans Day celebration at Veterans Memorial Park, 200 S. 10th Ave., Pensacola. Exhibits, food trucks and community displays are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. A parade is scheduled for 10 a.m., starting at Spring and Main streets and concluding at approximately 10:30 a.m. The ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. Retired Navy Cmdr. Keith Hoskins is expected to deliver the keynote address. Blue Anchor Belle is scheduled to perform World War II-era patriotic music. Closing remarks are planned for noon. (Event details should be confirmed with organizers.)
Photo Credit: Veterans Memorial Park, Pensacola, via Facebook.
Wednesday, Nov. 11 — “A Veteran Is More Than a Soldier,” a Veterans Day open-mic poetry event. Northwest Florida Poets, an affiliate of Emerald Coast Writers and a chapter of the Florida State Poets Association, is organizing an evening of poetry and personal stories about service, remembrance and resilience. Veterans and nonveterans may read original work, share a favorite poem, tell a story, or attend as listeners. The free event is scheduled for 5-7 p.m. at 223 Palafox Place, Pensacola. (Source: Northwest Florida Poets event announcement)
Event flyer: Northwest Florida Poets, via Facebook.
Many Veterans Day ceremonies begin at 11 a.m., recalling the armistice that took effect at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 and ended fighting on the Western Front in World War I. President Woodrow Wilson first observed Armistice Day in 1919. In 1954, Congress changed the federal holiday’s name to Veterans Day to honor veterans of all U.S. wars. (Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)www.department.va.gov
Archival photograph: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Original date and description should be verified before publication.www.va.gov/
Veterans Day also offers an opportunity to recognize veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression or other effects of military service. Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis can call or text 988. Veterans can select option 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. Additional information is available at 988lifeline.org and veteranscrisisline.net.www.988lifeline.org
To submit corrections or additional information about this report, contact james.b@lead4earth.org or leave a comment below.
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