DAVIE, Fla. – South Florida communities honored veterans with parades and ceremonies Monday.
At Veterans Park in Davie, a ceremony was held on Veterans Day to honor all who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Each veteran was honored with a medley Monday, standing to the music from their respective branches.
“Every day I relive it,” veteran Jeffrey Novak said.
Doug White, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps, expressed his gratitude for the recognition.
“It’s really appreciated. It’s not every day that people show that much appreciation for the sacrifices everyone has made,” he said.
Both young and old attended to remember the service members and honor their sacrifices.
“I was active duty just a couple of months ago and just retired from the Navy,” said veteran Sindy Indacochea.
Even children, like Indacochea’s daughter, learned the importance of this day, understanding it is more than just a day off from school.
“Today I’m here with my daughter, showing her that women can do it too,” Indacochea said.
Her daughter said, “Many people sacrificed their lives and it’s really sad when they don’t come back. But I’m really happy that my mom came back, and I learned that everyone has a chance to serve.”
When asked if they would serve again, all the veterans Local 10 News spoke with said it would be an honor.
“I had some of the best and worst experiences of my life, but it was totally worth it,” White said.
In Miami Beach, veterans were honored with a parade down Ocean Drive.
“It is important that as we get older and we pass the torch on, that we get younger generations to continue to maintain those freedoms that we have and, hopefully, we don’t take for granted,” Maj. Gen. Alexander Reina, the deputy commander for the U.S. Army’s Southern Command, said.
Miami Beach parade:
One of them was 99-year-old Eli Sussman, who served in World War II.
He was an impromptu addition to the festivities.
“And it’s a real blessing that we can celebrate freedom together, so we’re thankful,” Sussman’s son, Ira, said.
Additionally, the city is set to unveil an exhibit featuring pictures and the history of World War II-era events.
Six-hundred-thousand soldiers lived, trained and worked in Miami Beach during those years.
The exhibit will be featured between 11th and 12th Streets.