Miami Beach Honors Veterans With Parade and Bay Swim

On November 11, Miami Beach held its 18th annual Veterans Day Parade along Ocean Drive, while veterans and other participants began the day with a swim across Biscayne Bay to Monument Island. The swim was organized by members of the Miami Beach chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and included Navy SEALs and Merle Liivand, a Guinness World Record holder with five records. Organizers connected the tribute to the country’s 250th anniversary year and the island’s place in local military history.

The parade began at 11:11 a.m. and traveled from Fifth Street to 15th Street. Military groups and marching bands moved along the route as crowds watched. Families attended to honor veterans and support relatives in groups including the Sea Cadets. The city also displayed letters written by children to veterans and distributed flags.

Other South Florida communities held ceremonies. North Miami Beach’s event at the park honoring fallen war heroes named for Corporal Howard B. Hinson included a 21-gun salute. Fort Lauderdale held its annual ceremony at the F-86H Sabre jet memorial in Holiday Park. Speakers and attendees emphasized veterans’ service and sacrifice, and the role they played in defending freedom and democracy.