By LOIS KINDLE
lekindle@aol.com
LifePath Hospice is hosting an Honor Walk for Sun City Center Veterans who can’t physically participate in one of the Honor Flight Network’s trips to the nation’s capital.
“Many of our patients are not able to get out of their homes, let alone take a flight to Washington, D.C.,” said Christina Barzelay, LifePath Hospice volunteer coordinator. “This event allows us to honor patients and community members who are Veterans right in their own backyard. This Honor Walk will show them how much we appreciate their service and dedication to our country.”
The free event will take place at 2 p.m., July 11, at Sun City Center Community Hall, 1910 Pebble Beach Blvd. S. The public is invited to form a double-sided parade line to cheer for Veterans as they make their way through it.
The ceremony will include a color guard; a slide show, featuring each branch of the military; Santa’s Drill Team of Veterans dressed in blue and red camo; challenge coins; and certificates of appreciation. Navy Veteran Adrienne Clark will sing the “National Anthem,” and Air Force Capt. Jamiel Morris from MacDill AFB will speak.
Mission BBQ is supplying light refreshments.
Other organizations participating in the parade line include the Tampa Rough Riders; Patriotic Pinups: Rosie the Riveters of Brandon; Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office; Hillsborough County Fire Rescue; American Legion Post 246, Daughters of the American Revolution, Sons of the American Revolution; and the Military Family Support Trust.
Although not affiliated with Honor Flight, the Honor Walk is modeled after a popular feature of its program. Registration for all Veterans begins at 1:30 p.m. so they can be honored by name.
Veterans who wish to register in advance may visit www.chaptershealth.org/walk/.
Chapters Health is a community based, not for profit organization, providing innovative chronic illness care nationwide, with employees in more than 20 states.