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Starting tomorrow, Lakeland residents have several ways to show appreciation for those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces in honor of Veterans Day. The city’s main ceremony and parade will be Saturday, Nov. 7, while other local organizations are hosting tributes through the actual holiday on Tuesday.
Friday, Nov. 6
Salute to Veterans Breakfast
When: Friday, Nov. 6, 7 a.m.
Where: Heritage Baptist Church, 4202 Pipkin Creek Road
Free to all veterans
This event will feature a guest speaker and is free to all veterans. A breakfast buffet will be provided by Mission BBQ. The event is hosted by The Rotary Club of Lakeland, The Rotary Club of Lakeland Sunrise, The Rotary Club of Lakeland TigerTown, and The Rotary Club of Lakeland South.
Saturday, Nov. 7
Veterans Day Ceremony and unveiling of Lakeland’s new America 250 monument
When: Saturday, Nov. 7, 9:30 a.m
Where: Veterans Memorial Park overlooking Lake Beulah
Join the Polk County Veterans Council for the annual Veterans Day Ceremony and unveiling Lakeland’s monument in honor of America 250: a bronze statue depicting Mary Katharine Goddard, the first female postmaster in the U.S. and a Baltimore printer. Goddard produced the first official copy of the Declaration of Independence to list all 55 signers by name. She included her own name at the end of the document — the only woman.
The project, part of the Path to Freedom initiative, was led by Platform Art, in collaboration with Lakeland chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Polk County Veterans Council. Becky Ault and Mike Cunningham of ART Design Group created the monument.
“This is more than a monument — it’s a statement about who we are as a community and nation,” said Cynthia Haffey, Director of Platform Art. “During America’s 250th anniversary year, Lakeland will honor all patriots while contributing something meaningful and enduring to the public realm.”
Veterans Day Parade and Celebration
When: Saturday, Nov. 7, 11 a.m
Where: From RP Funding Center to Munn Park
After the ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park, this community parade travels from the RP Funding Center to downtown Lakeland. The celebration continues at Munn Park with more community activities.
National Hometown Heroes Day
When: Saturday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m.
Where: All Tractor Supply stores, including 4233 S. Florida Ave.
Tractor Supply stores will host “Touch-a-Truck,” with local fire, police and emergency vehicles on-site for interactive community and family demonstrations and “Thank-a-Hero” letter-writing stations, where customers can share personal notes of appreciation for active-duty personnel, veterans, and emergency responders.
Stores are also offering a 10% discount on Nov. 7 and 11 to veterans, military service members, and first responders registered and verified with Tractor Supply’s Neighbors Club. Each local store will make a direct $250 donation to a selected area military, veteran, or first responder organization.
Tuesday, Nov. 10
Lakeland Chamber of Commerce Veterans Business Council ROTC Breakfast
When: Tuesday, Nov. 10, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Where: First Presbyterian Church, 175 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Loudon Hall
This inaugural breakfast will celebrate the service, leadership, and mentorship of Lakeland’s ROTC and JROTC instructors and program leaders. The program includes featured speaker City Commissioner Terry Coney, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force (Ret.).
2026 Honorees:
- Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Kevin Reeves — Winter Haven High School, U.S. Army
- Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Michael W. Harris — Lakeland Senior High School, U.S. Army
- Major (Ret.) Torrez L. Grace, Ph.D., — Kathleen Senior High School/Central Florida Aerospace Academy, U.S. Air Force
- Captain (Ret.) José R. Quezada, Ed.D. — Lake Region High School, U.S. Marine Corps
- Captain (Ret.) Douglas Walker — Auburndale High School, U.S. Navy
- David Ulch — Commandant, Summerlin Academy, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
Tickets begin at $30 for Chamber members and $40 for non-members.
Wednesday, Nov. 11
Veterans Day Flag-Raising Ceremony
When: Wednesday, November 11, 8 a.m.
Where: Outside the Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children at Lakeland Regional Health
Join Lakeland Regional Health for a flag-raising ceremony honoring veterans and paying tribute to the United States.
Stars, Stripes & Swing: A Concert to Honor Our Veterans
When: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 4 to 6 p.m.
Where: The Lawn at Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center Drive
Free and open to the community
Bring chairs or a blanket to enjoy a free concert featuring The Vocalitas, a vintage-inspired harmony trio performing patriotic, swing-era, and American songs that pay tribute to the spirit, courage, and sacrifice made by veterans.
Veteran’s Concert Celebration
When: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 7 p.m
Where: Branscomb Auditorium at Florida Southern College, 1100 Johnson Ave.
Free to veterans, active-duty military personnel, FSC faculty, staff, and students
Get tickets
The Florida Southern College (FSC) Orchestra will perform patriotic and inspirational music to honor the men and women who have served and sacrificed their lives as members of the U.S. military. Admission is free for veterans and active-duty military personnel with a valid I.D., as well as FSC faculty, staff, and students with a valid I.D. Call 863-680-4296 for more information.
Discounts and specials for veterans and active-duty service members:
- Winn-Dixie stores: 11% discount for veterans and active-duty service members on Nov. 11. Must present valid military or veteran identification. Through Nov. 11, the Winn-Dixie Company and the Winn-Dixie Gives Foundation, in partnership with DLJ Produce, will donate 5 cents to the USO for every pound of Razzle Dazzle Premium Grapes sold at Winn-Dixie stores across Florida and southern Georgia for a total donation of up to $50,000.
- Tractor Supply stores: 10% discount on Nov. 7 and 11 for veterans, military service members, and first responders registered and verified with Tractor Supply’s Neighbors Club.
- Ford’s Garage: FREE American Standard Burger or up to $16 off an entrée on Nov. 11 for U.S. military veterans and active-duty service members.
- LEGOLAND Florida Resort: Through Nov. 30, eligible military members, veterans, or first responders receive one free admission; 50% off tickets for up to six accompanying guests.
Want to share another Veterans Day event in Lakeland? Add details in the comments below.
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