JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville’s Military Affairs and Veterans Department launched the city’s annual Celebration of Valor, a series of 25 events running from October through December to honor veterans, active-duty service members, and military families.
During the kickoff press conference, officials also announced this year’s Jaguars Foundation grant recipients.
The community celebration highlights support for local military personnel, including Jacksonville-based service members currently deployed overseas and their families.
As part of the initiative, the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department announced it will install free smoke alarms in the homes of local veterans throughout November.
The Jaguars Foundation awarded grants to 13 local military and veteran support organizations. Seven organizations received $10,000 grants: Five STAR Veterans Center, Operation New Uniform, Women Veterans Ignited, Inc., Navy League Mayport Council, Here Tomorrow, Jacksonville Humane Society, and The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Centerstone.
Six additional organizations received $5,000 grants from the foundation. Those recipients include K9’s for Warriors, Operation Barnabas, Veterans Treatment Court, Florida National Guard Foundation, St. Michaels Soldiers and Wounded Warrior Project.
Featured events for the celebration include the Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 11 at 11:01 a.m. Upcoming December events include the Vetrepreneur 10th Anniversary Summit on Dec. 4, the Army-Navy Watch Party on Dec. 12, and Wreaths Across America on Dec. 19.
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