The First Academy will host a Veterans Day Celebration on Wednesday, Nov. 10.
The event will take place at the Worship Center at First Baptist Orlando.
Honoring Veterans
In a report with Orange Observer, the Christian private school will honor veterans during the annual celebration. They will also acknowledge the French Legion of Honor Medal recipient, United States Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Mel Jenner.
Student leaders from The First Academy's Wounded Warrior Club will also pay tribute to the veterans.
First Baptist Orlando Senior Pastor Dr. David Uth will be one of the speakers during the event.
Other special guests include United States Navy Lt. Commander Peter Barkley, United States Air Force Colonel Michael Peeler, and French Honorary Consulate Brigitte Jensen.
The celebration also marks the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor. The United States Air Force ROTC Color Guard will do the Presentation of Colors.
According to The First Academy Facebook page, they will feature patriotic music to honor the veterans.
U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jenner will receive the French Legion of Honor medal during the event. Jenner is a Vietnam and Korean veteran who served during World War II.
The ceremony will also feature performances by the Lower School Choir and the Middle and Upper School Chorus and Concert Band.
Organizers invite all veterans to attend the event.
Christ-centered School
According to the school's website, The First Academy is a "Christ-centered, college-preparatory school." It has served over 1,200 Central Florida students.
The school offers four academic divisions – Upper School, Middle School, Lower School, and Extended Educational Programs (Homeschool and Special Needs).
The First Academy opened in 1987.
According to its website, it aims to develop strength of character among its students. They hope to teach its young men and women to serve others in their community.
Day of Respect for Veterans
According to the Military website, Veterans Day is celebrated as a day of respect for veterans. It remembers the sacrifices of those who served in the military.
It was originally called Armistice Day because it fell on the anniversary of the Armistice signing that ended World War I.
Veterans Day is a federal holiday celebrated every Nov. 11. Federal employees and military personnel usually take the day off on that day.
The History website said that Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans. It especially honors living veterans who served during a war or in peace.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower changed the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day in 1954.
Arlington National Cemetery holds an annual memorial service every Veterans Day.
According to History, the old cemetery has over 400,000 graves. Most of those buried in the graveyard served in the military.
Veterans Day Parade
The city of Orlando will also pay tribute to the veterans on Saturday, Nov. 13.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and his Veterans Advisory Council will join the 22nd annual City of Orlando Veterans Day Parade. The parade will take place in downtown Orlando.
Mayor Dyer will lead this year's tribute to the veterans.
The parade's theme is "Remembering September 11." It will also commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11.
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