Honoring Service and Patriotism: The Inverness Veterans Day Parade

This morning, I had the distinct honor of once again joining the annual Veterans Day Parade in Inverness, walking alongside my fellow school board members, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Scott Hebert, and his executive team to honor the brave men and women who have served our nation. The streets of downtown Inverness were lined with gratitude as students, families, and community members gathered to celebrate the true meaning of Veterans Day.

It is always to inspiring to see such a strong turnout from our schools. Students from Pleasant Grove Elementary, Inverness Elementary, and participants from every JROTC unit and band representing our middle and high schools proudly marched in tribute. Their enthusiasm and respect remind us that patriotism is alive and well in Citrus County’s next generation.

Citrus County Schools takes great pride in honoring those who have served. As the nation’s first Purple Heart School District, with every school designated as a Florida Purple Star School, we reaffirm our ongoing commitment to veterans and military families. These distinctions represent more than titles; they embody our shared promise to remember, to respect, and to teach.

Through efforts like the Veterans Day Parade and our “Veterans in the Classroom” initiative, we weave patriotism into the fabric of education. Our students do not just read about civic duty; they witness it, live it, and pass it on.

We owe a special thank you to all the veterans’ groups and volunteers who made this parade possible. I want to personally recognize our district and school volunteers, as well as their families, for their dedication behind the scenes. A heartfelt thanks goes to Darrick Buettner, who marshaled the vehicles, along with Chuck Dixon, Dr. Al Balk, Diedra Newton, Tracy Buettner, Brian Donovan, Jessica Price, and Chuck Price. Your leadership and teamwork ensured another meaningful and memorable event.

Today’s parade was far more than a community tradition. It was a celebration of unity, gratitude, and national pride. Together, we honored our heroes and strengthened the values that define us as Americans.

God bless our veterans, and God bless the United States of America.

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