Today, Nov. 11, is Veterans Day — a day commemorating the selfless people who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

DYK:

🇺🇸 The Navy Federal Credit Union ranked Tampa Bay as the best region to live as a retired veteran.

🇺🇸 WalletHub ranks Tampa as the No. 5 and St. Pete as the No. 12 bestplace for veterans to live.

🇺🇸 ~170,000 Americans who fought in WWII live in Hillsborough and Pinellas.

🇺🇸 Canada, Great Britain, Australia + France also celebrate the veterans of WWI + WWII on (or near) Nov. 11

A veteran stands by his service dog during the ‘Salute-To-Service-Stroll’ on Feb. 6, 2021, at the Tampa Riverwalk, Tampa. | Photo provided by MacDill AFB

Free Veterans Day Events:

Veterans Day at AFA | Friday, Nov. 11 | 9 a.m. | Admiral Farragut Academy, 501 Park St. N., St. Petersburg | Retired Gen. William Lennox kicks off the ceremony, followed by a formal pass and review parade and guest speaker Adm. Eric Olson of the U.S. Navy.
Veterans Day Cook Out | Friday, Nov. 11 | 2-5 p.m. | Hillsborough Fire Museum, 15961 N. Florida Ave., Tampa | Bring a camp chair for a cookout with music, hot dogs, chips, soft drinks, water, and cake.
Veterans Day Flag Raising Ceremony | 8:30-9 a.m. | Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 Magnolia Dr., Tampa | Join Moffitt Cancer Center at the Red Valet flagpole on the Magnolia campus to honor veterans, active duty military members, and all cancer patients.
Veterans Day Fundraiser and Open Vet Tab| Saturday, Nov 12* | 12 a.m-11 p.m. | Bayboro Brewing Co. 2390 5th Ave., South St. Petersburg | Veterans drink free beer at this party with raffles, tattoos, live music, and a barbecue.

As of the latest, these events are still occurring at their regularly scheduled time and location, despite Tropical Storm Nicole. These events could change or be canceled.

We want to thank all of Tampa Bay's veterans + active-duty military. There are no words to describe how much we appreciate your bravery and the sacrifices you make. 🫡