Clearwater Honors Veterans With Annual Celebration This WeekendCLEARWATER -- The region's veterans will be recognized this weekend for their sacrifice at the annual Clearwater Veterans Appreciation Day. The celebration, a free tribute to veterans past and present, will be Nov. 7 at Bright House Networks Field. Gates open at 2 p.m. and the program will run from 3-6 p.m. A crowd of as many as 8,000 is expected to attend; last year, more than 6,500 gathered. Key highlights of this year's program include: -- Special recognition of first responders with a video tribute and moment of silence, including honor guards from sheriff's, police and fire departments. -- Special recognition of wounded warriors from the James A. Haley and Bay Pines veterans hospitals, with an expected 100 wounded veterans and their caregivers. -- Special recognition to our neighbors, the U.S. Coast Guard, including a special appearance by their Silent Drill Team from Washington, D.C. -- A Coast Guard admiral will issue the oath of allegiance to an anticipated 200 young men and women enlisting in the armed forces. -- Additionally, the U.S. Navy Marching Band will perform, U.S. Special Operations Command paratroopers will parachute in carrying the National Standard and POW/MIA flags; Boys & Girls Club of the Suncoast will sing patriotic songs; and the Coast Guard will provided multiple flyovers.
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