Emerald Coast Exchange Club begins weeklong Veterans Tribute at Air Force Armament Museum

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE — On Saturday, the Emerald Coast Exchange Club kicked off a weeklong Veterans Day dedication event as it held its seventh annual Salute a Veteran Dedication Ceremony at the Air Force Armament Museum.

Here's what we know.

What is the Emerald Coast Exchange Club?

The Emerald Coast Exchange Club has been serving the local community for more than 19 years. The local chapter is part of the National Exchange Club and serves local communities in four ways: Americanism, community service, youth activities and prevention of child abuse.

"This event is our Americanism project," said Emerald Coast Exchange Club President Ron Toole. "We honor our veterans, our first responders in our country."

For Toole, Veterans Day is a day when he can reflect on the veteran who is closest to him: his father.

His father served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was injured in a parachute jump in Europe. After being released from the hospital, Toole said, his father refused to go home as he wanted to continue serving his country. He did that by serving as a prison guard until the war was over.

After returning home, he began to serve his country as a civilian and helped design Eglin Air Force Base. He retired after 67 years of service to his country.

Event recap

Along with representatives of the Exchange Club, local representatives who were in attendance were Shalimar Mayor Mark Franks, Fort Walton Beach Chief of Police Robert Bage and 96th Test Wing Commander Brig. Gen. Jeffery T. Geraghty.

With the national anthem sung by Sarah Peterson from Fort Walton Beach High School and colors presented by the Fort Walton Beach High School JROTC, Brig. Gen. Geraghty was the first to offer remarks.

"While every service member puts on a uniform and becomes uniform with their force, they're still individuals who take time to make friends, raise families, travel, pursue hobbies, honor commitment and volunteer in their local communities," he said. "For all veterans, the uniform eventually gets changed out for a civilian one, but the desire to serve continues to course through their veins."

"When a ritual like service becomes intimate and familiar, sometimes you can't even see it. You just do," he added.

Geraghty reflected that as members in attendance look out over the field of flags, it is a reminder that each flag that is there represents a veteran's story, and that the history of America is a story of service.

Next to speak was Franks. His words echoed Geraghty's, as he also touched on remembering the sacrifices veterans and their families have made.

"Let us also remember that the service our veterans provide is made possible by their family members' sacrifice and resilience," he said.

His final words reflected on what he spoke on at last year's event. He raised the question of how residents of a community continue to honor their veterans. His answer was from an unnamed veteran during his speech.

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"We earn it," he said. "I love this country so much. Not because we are a perfect union, but because we are working to form a more perfect one. Our military gives us that opportunity. Our veterans safeguarded the American dream for us to carry with the values of hard work, patriotism and responsibility."

How to get involved?

The Emerald Coast Exchange Club will post flags for all honorees from Nov. 4-12.

The fee to have a flag on the field that will display your veteran's information is $30.

The fee is $40 to have a flag on the field with your veteran's information and the ability to receive the flag after the event.

If you don't have a veteran to honor and would still like to make a donation, you can visit emeraldcoast.exchangefundraising.org.

All proceeds from the event will be used by the club to support local Americanism projects that include homeless veterans support, Healing PAWS for Warriors, Fisher House of the Emerald Coast, Air Force Enlisted Village, freedom shrines and other projects in the community.