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Many events to salute veterans next week

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SUNCOAST NEWS STAFF REPORT

Published: November 7, 2009

NEW PORT RICHEY - Many events will salute veterans next week.

They include the Nov. 11 ceremony and barbecue set up by St. Jude's Homeless Veterans Resource Center and an early observance, on Monday, Nov. 9, at a CARES senior center in the Hudson area.

Geared toward homeless veterans and their families, the St. Jude's event will take place from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Rotary Concourse Pavilion, 15323 S.R. 52, west of the Suncoast Parkway.

The public is invited to join the Veterans Day Flag Ceremony, according to the Rev. Morson Livingston, the CEO and founder of the Land O' Lakes-based St. Jude's Center.

"We are targeting a large number of homeless veterans, their families and other homeless nonveterans," Livingston, a former U.S. Army chaplain, explained in a press release.

The observance will include: a formal flag ceremony; blowing of the shofar; and messages from Gov. Charlie Crist, state Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Palm Harbor, and Pasco Commissioner Pat Mulieri.

The ceremony will be followed by lots of food, portable showers, inflatable rides for the kids, barbers and many other services for all.

"It promises to be a day of treat for everyone," Livingston said.

Officials from area shelters plan to help at the event. Organizers hope to have care packages including lots of socks and blanket since the weather could turn cold soon.

"Our hope is that, one day, we will be able to have a place where we can do this every day, three times a day, but for now we are happy to celebrate Veterans Day with our brothers and sisters," Livingston said.

No reservations are needed to attend the event.

If anyone would like to volunteer to help at the Nov. 11 observance, contact Livingston at 813-951-2288 or stjudesveteranscenter@gmail.com. Or call John Carland at 727-215-9077 or Mike Glass at 727-372-0204.

To learn more about the St. Jude's center, check its Web site.

Early celebration at CARES

People can join an early Veterans Day Celebration at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 9, at CARES Rao Musunuru, M.D., Enrichment Center, 12417 Clock Tower Parkway, Hudson.

Members of the Holiday post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars will conduct the honor ceremony.

Mildred Wilson, the widow of a Tuskegee Airman, will bring his awards and medals for viewing and speak briefly about the Airmen.

Betty Fankel will talk about her days dancing for the U.S.O.

Representatives from Assisted Living Benefits will explain how the Belleair Bluffs firm helps veterans and others obtain assisted living benefits.

For more information, call the center at 727-863-6868.

PHCC ceremony

Another early observance on Tuesday, Nov. 10, will take place at Pasco-Hernando Community College.

The Veterans Day Flag Ceremony will start at 4:30 p.m. by the flagpole outside of Building A at PHCC West Campus, 10230 Ridge Road, New Port Richey.

Jack Plant, a retired U.S. Army colonel who is a PHCC drafting and design instructor, will be the guest speaker. The River Ridge High School Junior ROTC team will perform the flag ceremony. Other area high school Junior ROTC teams will participate.

The public is welcome to attend. Information is available on the PHCC Web site. Go online to www.phcc.edu for more information.

VFW Holiday post ceremony

VFW Holiday Post 10167 at 4619 Bartelt Road, Holiday, will celebrate Veteran's Day at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11.

The public is invited to come and honor veterans, post spokeswoman Joan Stahley said.

People can bring any worn out American flags for proper disposal.

For more information, call 727-938-5977.

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