Leon County's "Operation Thank You" kicked off Friday's local Veterans Day observance. The breakfast at the Lake Ella American Legion hall was a lead in to the yearly Veterans Day Parade.
The Sauls-Bridges American Legon Post 13 was packed with veterans and family members. They were greeted by Post Commander and fellow vet Val Frailey.
"When the call came, we went. Sometimes we went whether we got called or not it seemed like. We learned not to volunteer, but that seemed to be part of the game, too," he recalled as several of those in attendance nodded in recognition of their own active duty experiences.
County Commissioner Nick Maddox then read a Veterans Day proclamation, identifying the occasion as:
"The day on which we honor and recognize the brave men and women who served in the armed forces to defend our freedom."
One of whom was US Marines Vet Gordon Lightfoot. He spearheaded the drive to build a four-story bell tower at Tallahassee's National Cemetery.
"Leon County/the City of Tallahassee is probably one of the most veteran friendly areas in the state of Florida," he remarked after receiving recognition for that accomplishment.
After breakfast, many of the vets headed for the floats and other units that were included in the Veterans Day Parade down Monroe Street.
