Jacksonville — The Salute to Veterans 5k Run and Patriotic Paws Parade will be held on Sunday, November 14, at the Duval County Veteran’s Memorial. The annual event, now in its 10th year, is noted as the longest running Veterans Day 5K in Jacksonville. Over 1000 runners and four-legged fur balls dressed in patriotic costumes are expected to round out the City’s “Week of Valor.”
“Every year we end Valor week with the Salute to Veterans Run and the Paws Parade,” said Rory Diamond CEO of K9s For Warriors. “The parade has become a great puzzle piece where people bring their dogs dressed in all sorts of patriotic gear.”
The route will be filled with man’s best friend donning American mode everything along the St. Johns River and downtown Jacksonville.
“There are poodles in red white and blue,” continued Diamond. “You’ve got Navy, Marine and Army; just all sorts of different ways of celebrating Veterans Day and patriotism.
The event is held in conjunction with the Jacksonville Naval Museum Historical Association. Diamond explained that the partnership stems from a 12-year effort by the Association to transport a retired United States Naval Warship to Jacksonville to serve as a museum. According to Diamond, ship number one didn’t pan it out, but it looks like the second ship will.
Spectators can peruse in the family-friendly Race Village complete with food, drinks, bounce houses, plus games and activities.
Military branches will have their flags flying and their songs sung. Prizes will be awarded to the fastest runners and best costume accolades will be given to the most patriotic dressed pooches. Additional prizes will be awarded to Veterans and Active Military personnel making this truly a “Salute to Veterans” event.
“The idea is to support all veterans,” concluded Diamond. ”The event is fun, healthy and everyone has a good time.”
K9s for Warriors is dedicated to providing service dogs to Warriors suffering from post-traumatic stress as well as combat and service related injuries. Their goal is to empower Warriors to return to civilian life with dignity and independence.
All registered participants will get free entry to the Jacksonville Naval Museum and their US Navy Cold War Experience: the historic World War II built destroyer, USS ORLECK.
Event proceeds will be equally divided between K9s For Warriors and the Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association.
For more information regarding the museum, please visit: https://www.jaxnavalmuseum.org/