Our Calendar is where you can find upcoming events, important dates, or activities of interest. Events preceded by a RED ASTERISK indicate that the event is an official Chapter event. It is also a great resource to find other veteran and other community activities.
We publish all kinds of events - not just Rolling Thunder®, so If you, or your organization would like to publish your special event on our calendar, drop a note to our events coordinator. A 7-day advance notice would be great!
CHAPTER 1 EVENTS COORDINATOR - Dena Armstrong
[email protected]
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Rolling Thunder® Chapter 1 Florida General Membership meetings begin at 1400 (2:00 PM) on the 4th Sunday of every month, excluding May. January 26th - REVISED AGAIN (12:30-1:30) February 23rd March 23rd April 27th May - Memorial Day Ride for Freedom June 22nd July 27th August 24th September 28th - Officer Elections October 26th November 23rd December 28th |
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All meetings are held at the Veterans Memorial Center and Museum, 400 S Sykes Creek Parkway, Merritt Island, FL 32952. For additional information, contact our membership chairperson @ (321) 446-4650.
JANUARY
* 10th: Request from USNR (Ret) Captain Bob Greene to escort the cremains of his son, Robert Vonavon Greene, SGT (E-5) US Army. Inernment is scheduled for Friday, January 10th., 1300 hrs (1:00 pm). STAGING 1145 - 1200 hrs (11:45 am - Noon), American Legion Post 1, 1281 US-1, Titusville, FL 32796, KSU 1215 hrs (12:15 pm).
10th-11th: Palm Bay JROTC Air Rifle Commanders Cup Match, PM Friday; 0800-1200 Saturday at Palm Bay Jr/Sr HS.
19th: Robert E. Lee's Birthday
20th: Inauguration Day
20th: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
26th: Salute to Service Opening Ceremony at the Challenge Cup National Softball Tournament, Space Coast Stadium in Viera 1500- 1730. Features honoring veterans and first responders as a week long tournament of slow pitch softball teams from across the country begins. Sponsored by USSSA, FAVOB, BCSO and many more. Vendor tents welcome. Opening game between FHP/BCSO/Brevard Fire combined Team and PSFB Veterans and Active Duty Military. Special BCSO flyover, Rolling Thunder Bike Parade on warning track, ceremonial first pitch and much more. Contact Donn Weaver, VMC, 757-871-6576 for more information.
28th: BVMC Library Discussion Series. 1800 - 1930. The presentation will be: "The Strategic Triad" by Bill Ellis. There has been much discussion about the continuing cost-effectiveness of the strategic triad, which is a Cold War concept. With Russia resurgent and China rising as a peer competitor, these discussions are now more critical than at any time in recent decades. During his US Air Force service, Bill was a missileer and a program manager in strategic systems.
10th-11th: Palm Bay JROTC Air Rifle Commanders Cup Match, PM Friday; 0800-1200 Saturday at Palm Bay Jr/Sr HS.
19th: Robert E. Lee's Birthday
20th: Inauguration Day
20th: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
26th: Salute to Service Opening Ceremony at the Challenge Cup National Softball Tournament, Space Coast Stadium in Viera 1500- 1730. Features honoring veterans and first responders as a week long tournament of slow pitch softball teams from across the country begins. Sponsored by USSSA, FAVOB, BCSO and many more. Vendor tents welcome. Opening game between FHP/BCSO/Brevard Fire combined Team and PSFB Veterans and Active Duty Military. Special BCSO flyover, Rolling Thunder Bike Parade on warning track, ceremonial first pitch and much more. Contact Donn Weaver, VMC, 757-871-6576 for more information.
28th: BVMC Library Discussion Series. 1800 - 1930. The presentation will be: "The Strategic Triad" by Bill Ellis. There has been much discussion about the continuing cost-effectiveness of the strategic triad, which is a Cold War concept. With Russia resurgent and China rising as a peer competitor, these discussions are now more critical than at any time in recent decades. During his US Air Force service, Bill was a missileer and a program manager in strategic systems.
FEBRUARY
FEBRUARY: Free Eighth Annual Every Day is Veterans Day Event at Space Coast Center for Collaboration 1100 Rockledge Ave, US Rte 1, Rockledge. Celebrate veterans with food, drinks and many informational booths. Sponsored by One Senior Place. Call 321-251-6771 to register as a vendor or RSVP for attendance.
1st & 2nd: Ground Hog Day Fundraiser for St Francis Reflections Foundation to support Veterans and others at Chez Cani , 6375 N. Wickham Rd, Melbourne 1200-2100. Join the fun for great food, treats and to purchase limited edition pint glasses with a presentation of all sales going to the SFR Foundation. Make a reservation for meals or just stop by. Bring friends and family, In France they also celebrate “La Chandeleur” as the midway point of winter before spring just as we hope the groundhog will forecast a shorter winter. .
1st: County wide JROTC Air Rifle Run and Shoot Competition at VMC Memorial Park. 0700-1200. Hosted by Satellite HS JROTC.
2nd: Annual Ceremony to Commemorate the Immortal Four Chaplains of WWII. VMC Plaza 1400-1500. Marine Corps League and VMC Sponsors and Presenters.
8th: Annual Pioneer Day Celebration at Sam’s House and St Luke’s Church off North Courtenay on Merritt Island, 1000-1600 hours with vendors, trousers, food, music and more. Looking for vendors. Contact Museums of Brevard Members and Sam’s House for more information. Details later in January.
9th: Super Bowl
14th: Valentine's Day
15th: Annual Commemoration of the WWII Bataan Death March at VMC Park 0700-1100. Air Force and Space Force JROTC units only come together for a long ruck March to remember this tragic chapter in American military history and reflect on the sacrifice of our prisoners of war.
17th: Presidents' Day
19th: Coast Guard Reserve Birthday
22nd: Young Eagles Flight Rally for kids and grand kids 8-12 from Gold Star, Wounded Veteran and similar First Responder Families 0900-1200. Merritt Island Airport S. Courtney Road entrance with signs to the EAA Hangar. EAA organization and pilots are the Sponsors. Free Flights for the kids selected in FAA approved aircraft. Parents or Guardians must register on line starting 08 Feb. Contact Donn Weaver 757-871-6576 for more information. Registration details announced in early February.
22nd: Back Brevard Heroes Car Show Fundraiser 1000-1500 in the UHaul and Mall Parking Spaces of Merritt Square Mall. More details and registration info in January.
22nd: JROTC District Drill Meet at VMC Park 0700-1200. See many teams compete in Color Guard, Squad and Platoon drills.
22nd: USAF JROTC State wide Drill meet for Air/Space Force programs at Melbourne HS 0800-1300.
27th: Honor America Awards Ceremony 1800-2100 at the Grand Manor on Sarno Road in Eau Gallie. Sponsored by the Liberty Bell Museum this dinner recognizes outstanding volunteers in the community. Dean Schaaf, VMC President is among the Awardees this year. Reserve your dinner and place through libertybellmuseum.org.
28th: Every Day is Veterans Day 1000-1330 at the at the Space Coast Center for Collaboration on Rte 1 in Rockledge. RSVPs will be called after 15 January. Many vendors, veteran info booths, food and drinks and much more to honor and celebrate veterans. Sponsored by One Senior Place. Contact Angie Higgins of One Senior Place at 321- 751-6771 for more info and to RSVP. This event was set for last fall, but along came MILTON.
1st & 2nd: Ground Hog Day Fundraiser for St Francis Reflections Foundation to support Veterans and others at Chez Cani , 6375 N. Wickham Rd, Melbourne 1200-2100. Join the fun for great food, treats and to purchase limited edition pint glasses with a presentation of all sales going to the SFR Foundation. Make a reservation for meals or just stop by. Bring friends and family, In France they also celebrate “La Chandeleur” as the midway point of winter before spring just as we hope the groundhog will forecast a shorter winter. .
1st: County wide JROTC Air Rifle Run and Shoot Competition at VMC Memorial Park. 0700-1200. Hosted by Satellite HS JROTC.
2nd: Annual Ceremony to Commemorate the Immortal Four Chaplains of WWII. VMC Plaza 1400-1500. Marine Corps League and VMC Sponsors and Presenters.
8th: Annual Pioneer Day Celebration at Sam’s House and St Luke’s Church off North Courtenay on Merritt Island, 1000-1600 hours with vendors, trousers, food, music and more. Looking for vendors. Contact Museums of Brevard Members and Sam’s House for more information. Details later in January.
9th: Super Bowl
14th: Valentine's Day
15th: Annual Commemoration of the WWII Bataan Death March at VMC Park 0700-1100. Air Force and Space Force JROTC units only come together for a long ruck March to remember this tragic chapter in American military history and reflect on the sacrifice of our prisoners of war.
17th: Presidents' Day
19th: Coast Guard Reserve Birthday
22nd: Young Eagles Flight Rally for kids and grand kids 8-12 from Gold Star, Wounded Veteran and similar First Responder Families 0900-1200. Merritt Island Airport S. Courtney Road entrance with signs to the EAA Hangar. EAA organization and pilots are the Sponsors. Free Flights for the kids selected in FAA approved aircraft. Parents or Guardians must register on line starting 08 Feb. Contact Donn Weaver 757-871-6576 for more information. Registration details announced in early February.
22nd: Back Brevard Heroes Car Show Fundraiser 1000-1500 in the UHaul and Mall Parking Spaces of Merritt Square Mall. More details and registration info in January.
22nd: JROTC District Drill Meet at VMC Park 0700-1200. See many teams compete in Color Guard, Squad and Platoon drills.
22nd: USAF JROTC State wide Drill meet for Air/Space Force programs at Melbourne HS 0800-1300.
27th: Honor America Awards Ceremony 1800-2100 at the Grand Manor on Sarno Road in Eau Gallie. Sponsored by the Liberty Bell Museum this dinner recognizes outstanding volunteers in the community. Dean Schaaf, VMC President is among the Awardees this year. Reserve your dinner and place through libertybellmuseum.org.
28th: Every Day is Veterans Day 1000-1330 at the at the Space Coast Center for Collaboration on Rte 1 in Rockledge. RSVPs will be called after 15 January. Many vendors, veteran info booths, food and drinks and much more to honor and celebrate veterans. Sponsored by One Senior Place. Contact Angie Higgins of One Senior Place at 321- 751-6771 for more info and to RSVP. This event was set for last fall, but along came MILTON.
MARCH
3rd: Navy Reserve Birthday
8th: JROTC District Drill Meet with hundreds of cadets in competition in five events. VMC Park 0700-1200.
12th: A Tribute to Vietnam Veterans Commemorating National Vietnam Veterans Day, 12 March 17-1900 hrs. Eau Gallie Civic Center 1551 Highland Ave. Sponsored by DAV Chapter 32. Featuring speakers who are all Vietnam Veterans, two former DAV National Commanders and a former POW who spent 6 years in the Hanoi Hilton. RSVP via email to attend : [email protected] or to sponsor and get more info : [email protected]
13th: K-9 Veterans Day – The date is the official birthday of the United States K9 Corps and a day to honor their service.
15th: Annual Last Naval Battle of the Revolutionary War Celebration at VMC Plaza. Sponsored and staged by the Brevard Sons of the American Revolution with assistance from VMC and MOAACC Good Deeds Foundation. Details in December 2024.
25th: Medal of Honor Day – A holiday to honor the heroism and sacrifice of Medal of Honor recipients for the United States.
29th: Vietnam Veterans Day – A national holiday to recognize and honor Veterans who served in the military during the Vietnam War.
29th: JROTC District Championship Drill Meet at VMC Park 0700-1300. State Championship Qualifier.
8th: JROTC District Drill Meet with hundreds of cadets in competition in five events. VMC Park 0700-1200.
12th: A Tribute to Vietnam Veterans Commemorating National Vietnam Veterans Day, 12 March 17-1900 hrs. Eau Gallie Civic Center 1551 Highland Ave. Sponsored by DAV Chapter 32. Featuring speakers who are all Vietnam Veterans, two former DAV National Commanders and a former POW who spent 6 years in the Hanoi Hilton. RSVP via email to attend : [email protected] or to sponsor and get more info : [email protected]
13th: K-9 Veterans Day – The date is the official birthday of the United States K9 Corps and a day to honor their service.
15th: Annual Last Naval Battle of the Revolutionary War Celebration at VMC Plaza. Sponsored and staged by the Brevard Sons of the American Revolution with assistance from VMC and MOAACC Good Deeds Foundation. Details in December 2024.
25th: Medal of Honor Day – A holiday to honor the heroism and sacrifice of Medal of Honor recipients for the United States.
29th: Vietnam Veterans Day – A national holiday to recognize and honor Veterans who served in the military during the Vietnam War.
29th: JROTC District Championship Drill Meet at VMC Park 0700-1300. State Championship Qualifier.
APRIL
5th: Gold Star Spouses Day – A Day dedicated to those whose spouses gave their lives while serving in the U.S. military or as a result of service-connected injuries or illness.
11th: 4th Annual Golf Tournament Hosted by National Veterans Homeless Support (NVHS) and Sponsored by Northrup Grumman Management Club. Rockledge Country Club 0800- 1300 with Scramble Start. Proceeds Support NVHS 2025 Missions. Prizes and sponsorships available. $100 per player registration fee. Win a New Car with a Hole in One. Sign up to play or sponsor at: nvhs.org/events
14th: Air Force Reserve Birthday
20th: Easter Sunday
23rd: Army Reserve Birthday
11th: 4th Annual Golf Tournament Hosted by National Veterans Homeless Support (NVHS) and Sponsored by Northrup Grumman Management Club. Rockledge Country Club 0800- 1300 with Scramble Start. Proceeds Support NVHS 2025 Missions. Prizes and sponsorships available. $100 per player registration fee. Win a New Car with a Hole in One. Sign up to play or sponsor at: nvhs.org/events
14th: Air Force Reserve Birthday
20th: Easter Sunday
23rd: Army Reserve Birthday
MAY
1st: Silver Star Banner Day – Per Congressional resolution it is an “Official Day to honor wounded, ill, and injured Veterans”.
4th: Back Brevard Hero Fest VMC Plaza 1000-1600. Details in March.
08th - 11th: 37th Veterans Memorial Reunion , Wickham Park 0900-1800 day. Formerly Vietnam Veterans of Brevard Vietnam Reunion. Now hosted by a new organization — Veterans Memorial Reunion, Inc (VMRI) a new 501c3. Vietnam and Global War on Terror Some Gave all walls included. Escort and wall construction on Sunday 04 May from EFSC to Wickham Park. Vendor registration requited and more info at veteransmemorialreunion.org.
9th: Military Spouse Appreciation Day – This date recognizes the service and sacrifices of military spouses.
19th - 27th: Gold Star Mother and Artist Jeanne Weaver display of 21 paintings - Losing Todd: A Mother’s Journey. 1LT Todd Weaver, USA was killed in combat in Afghanistan 09 Sep 2010. Porcher House in Cocoa Village 0900-1500 daily. More details in March.
26th: Brevard Veterans Memorial Day Ceremony VMC Plaza 0930 -1030. Details in March.
26th: Memorial Day Ceremony at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims 1000-1100. Details in March.
26th: Parade and Memorial Day Ceremony Cocoa Village and Riverfront Park 1500 Parade and 1700 Ceremony. Look for details of the program in March.
4th: Back Brevard Hero Fest VMC Plaza 1000-1600. Details in March.
08th - 11th: 37th Veterans Memorial Reunion , Wickham Park 0900-1800 day. Formerly Vietnam Veterans of Brevard Vietnam Reunion. Now hosted by a new organization — Veterans Memorial Reunion, Inc (VMRI) a new 501c3. Vietnam and Global War on Terror Some Gave all walls included. Escort and wall construction on Sunday 04 May from EFSC to Wickham Park. Vendor registration requited and more info at veteransmemorialreunion.org.
9th: Military Spouse Appreciation Day – This date recognizes the service and sacrifices of military spouses.
19th - 27th: Gold Star Mother and Artist Jeanne Weaver display of 21 paintings - Losing Todd: A Mother’s Journey. 1LT Todd Weaver, USA was killed in combat in Afghanistan 09 Sep 2010. Porcher House in Cocoa Village 0900-1500 daily. More details in March.
26th: Brevard Veterans Memorial Day Ceremony VMC Plaza 0930 -1030. Details in March.
26th: Memorial Day Ceremony at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims 1000-1100. Details in March.
26th: Parade and Memorial Day Ceremony Cocoa Village and Riverfront Park 1500 Parade and 1700 Ceremony. Look for details of the program in March.
JUNE
6th: Anniversary of the World War II Allied invasion in Normandy France, now known as D-Day.
14th: Flag Day – A Day to celebrate the adoption of the U.S. flag.
14th: Army Birthday
15th: Father's Day
23rd: Coast Guard Auxiliary Birthday
27th: National PTSD Awareness Day – A Day to bring awareness about issues related to PTSD.
14th: Flag Day – A Day to celebrate the adoption of the U.S. flag.
14th: Army Birthday
15th: Father's Day
23rd: Coast Guard Auxiliary Birthday
27th: National PTSD Awareness Day – A Day to bring awareness about issues related to PTSD.
JULY
4th: Independence Day
27th: Korean War Veterans Armistice Day
27th: Korean War Veterans Armistice Day
AUGUST
4th: Coast Guard Birthday
7th: Purple Heart Day – A time for Americans to pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who were either wounded on the battlefield or paid the ultimate sacrifice.
29th: Marine Forces Reserve Birthday
7th: Purple Heart Day – A time for Americans to pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who were either wounded on the battlefield or paid the ultimate sacrifice.
29th: Marine Forces Reserve Birthday
SEPTEMBER
1st: Labor Day
11th: Patriot Day – An annual observance to remember and honor those who were injured or killed during the 11 2001 terrorist attacks.
18th: Air Force Birthday
19th: POW*MIA Recognition Day
29th: Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day – A Day to honor the families of fallen Servicemembers.
11th: Patriot Day – An annual observance to remember and honor those who were injured or killed during the 11 2001 terrorist attacks.
18th: Air Force Birthday
19th: POW*MIA Recognition Day
29th: Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day – A Day to honor the families of fallen Servicemembers.
OCTOBER
13th: Navy Birthday
26th: National Day of the Deployed
26th: National Day of the Deployed
NOVEMBER
10th: Marine Corps Birthday
11th: Veterans Day – This is the anniversary of the signing of the armistice treaty which ended World War I and is also a day to thank military Veterans for their service.
27th: Thanksgiving Day
11th: Veterans Day – This is the anniversary of the signing of the armistice treaty which ended World War I and is also a day to thank military Veterans for their service.
27th: Thanksgiving Day
DECEMBER
2nd: Giving Tuesday
7th: Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day – The anniversary of the day Japan attacked Pearl Harbor Hawaii signaling the United States’ entrance into World War II.
13th: National Guard Birthday
13th: National Wreaths Across America Day
20th: Space Force birthday
7th: Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day – The anniversary of the day Japan attacked Pearl Harbor Hawaii signaling the United States’ entrance into World War II.
13th: National Guard Birthday
13th: National Wreaths Across America Day
20th: Space Force birthday