Rolling Thunder® and other organizations Events
for 2023:
Our Calendar of Events is where you can find upcoming events that Rolling Thunder® Inc., Chapter 1 Florida may participate in. Dates preceded by a RED ASTERISK indicate that the event is an official Chapter 1 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, just let our events coordinator know what you have planned. A 7-day advance notice would be great!
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, just let our events coordinator know what you have planned. A 7-day advance notice would be great!
January 20-21, 2023: The Central Brevard “Veteran Stand Down to Stand Up” (Formerly known as Stand Down) event will be held at the Cocoa Armory on 20 Jan 2023 (set up) and 21 Jan for the actual activity. Earlier Date of 07-08 Oct had to be scrubbed since the Florida Army National Guard Unit was called up to assist Ian recovery in SW Florida.
As many as 250 homeless and at risk veterans usually attend the event with more than that number of volunteers providing a wide range of services from the private sector, the VA, the Medical Community, charitable organizations, etc.
The Veterans Memorial Center (VMC) is the primary organizer of the event, but partners with National Veterans Homeless Support (NVHS), Volunteers of America, the Veterans Administration and dozens of others to help the program support many veterans in need. This event will focus on homeless and at risk veterans and their families, while also matching the veterans with job options on the Space Coast. Contact BVC Council Chairman Donn Weaver 757-871-6576 for more information.
As many as 250 homeless and at risk veterans usually attend the event with more than that number of volunteers providing a wide range of services from the private sector, the VA, the Medical Community, charitable organizations, etc.
The Veterans Memorial Center (VMC) is the primary organizer of the event, but partners with National Veterans Homeless Support (NVHS), Volunteers of America, the Veterans Administration and dozens of others to help the program support many veterans in need. This event will focus on homeless and at risk veterans and their families, while also matching the veterans with job options on the Space Coast. Contact BVC Council Chairman Donn Weaver 757-871-6576 for more information.
January 28, 2023: Celebration of Life service for USAF Col Joe Kitinger - 11:00 at the First Orlando Church (formerly First Baptist Church), 3000 South John Young Parkway, Orlando, FL.
* January 22, 2023: General Membership Meeting @ VMC 1400.
February 03, 2023: Four Chaplains Day – A day to remember the four U.S. Army chaplains who made the ultimate sacrifice when the USAT Dorchester sank during World War II.
February 04, 2023: JROTC Drill Meet in Veterans Memorial Park 0700-1230.
February 05, 2023: Immortal Four Chaplains Ceremony from 1400-1600 at the Veterans Memorial Center Plaza and Gray Hall.
* * February 09, 2023: Visitation for J.J. - 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Wylie-Baxley Funeral Home, 1360 N Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, Florida 32953, followed by a funeral service from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Rolling Thunder® escort to follow to Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, 5525 US Highway 1, Mims, Florida 32754.
Rolling Thunder® escort to follow to Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, 5525 US Highway 1, Mims, Florida 32754.
February 18, 2023: JROTC Drill Meet in Veterans Memorial Park 0700-1300.
February 19, 2023: Coast Guard Reserve Birthday.
February 23, 2023: Liberty Bell Museum Patriot Awards Dinner 1800-2100 Grand Manor Catering, 1450 Sarno Road, Melbourne. Details to follow to register and help honor local volunteers who support veterans in many ways.
February 24, 2023: "Greggie and the Jets" Elton John Tribute Rockin' the Sunset Concert for a Cause: We Honor Veterans of St. Francis Reflections 1900-2100 Space Coast Main Stadium in Viera. Tickets through: https://ReflectionsLSC.org/EltonJohn. Or Text “EltonJohn” to 41444.
February 25, 2023: Back Brevard Heroes Fundraiser in Veterans Memorial Park 0900-1700.
February 26, 2023:
March 03, 2023: Navy Reserve Birthday.
March 04, 2023: JROTC Drill Meet in Veterans Memorial Park District Championship 0700-1300.
March 13, 2023: K-9 Veterans Day. The date is the official birthday of the United States K9 Corps and a day to honor their service.
March 18, 2023: Commemoration of the Last Naval Battle of the American Revolution, 1000-1300 at the Veterans Memorial Center Plaza, Museum and Gray Hall.
March 25, 2023: Medal of Honor Day. A holiday to honor the heroism and sacrifice of Medal of Honor recipients for the United States.
March 29, 2023: National Vietnam Veterans Day. A national holiday to recognize and honor Veterans who served in the military during the Vietnam War.
April 01, 2023: American Legion AUX 344 annual Easter Egg Hunt at Veterans Memorial Park 1300-1500.
April 01, 2023:
April 05, 2023: 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.
April 14, 2023: Air Force Reserve Birthday.
April 23, 2023: Army Reserve Birthday.
April 29,2023: Brevard Parkinson’s Alliance 5K to raise funds to beat Parkinson’s. 0700-1200 Veterans Memorial Park, Center and Plaza. 0800 5 K Run with Running Zone and 1000 1K Walk.Stroll for those with Parkinson’s. Register on line at secure.runningzone.com.
May 01, 2023: Silver Star Banner Day – Per Congressional resolution, it is an “Official Day to honor wounded, ill, and injured Veterans”.
May 07, 2023: Back Brevard Heroes Festival to honor First Responders and Veterans, Veterans Memorial Center Plaza, Gray Hall and Park 0930- 1300.
May 12, 2023: Military Spouse Appreciation Day – This date recognizes the service and sacrifices of military spouses.
May 13, 2023: Children of Fallen Patriots Day – A day to honor the children left behind by the brave men and women who gave their lives while defending our freedom.
May 20, 2023: Armed Forces Day Observed on the third Saturday every May. This is a day dedicated to paying tribute to men and women currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
May 20,2023: Space Coast Military and Family Appreciation Day and BBQ — On Armed Forces Day 2023, From 1500-1900 at the VMC and Park. Featuring CW Award winning singer Rocky Lynne!!!! “Heroes Come from Small Towns” and “Proud to Be a Soldier: Active duty unit displays, music, food, kids games, many special activities to honor our active duty forces and their families who eat free. Co-sponsored by CBRCC, MAC, VMC, MOAACC Good Deeds Foundation, and Military Recruiters.
May 29, 2023: Memorial Day. A solemn occasion to honor the men and women who died while serving in the military.
May 29, 2023: Memorial Day Remembrance Veterans Memorial Center 0930-1030.
June 03, 2023: Annual Courageous Division NSCC Sea Cadet Awards Ceremony, Veterans Memorial Center Gray Hall and Library 0800- 1500.
June 06, 2023: Anniversary of the World War II Allied invasion in Normandy, France, now known as D-Day.
June 14, 2023: Flag Day. A day to celebrate the adoption of the U.S. flag.
June 14, 2023: U.S. Army Birthday
June 23, 2023: Coast Guard Auxiliary Birthday.
June 27, 2023: National PTSD Awareness Day. A day to bring awareness about issues related to PTSD.
July 04, 2023: Independence Day
* July 04, 2023: Annual BCSO/VMC Independence Day Parade - Details to follow in May.
* July 08 & 09, 2023: Fund Raiser - Publix, 125 E. Merritt Island Cswy, Merritt Island. Set up at 0900.
July 27, 2023: Korean War Veterans Armistice Day.
August 04, 2023: U.S. Coast Guard Birthday.
August 07, 2022: 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.
August 29, 2023: Marine Forces Reserve Birthday.
September 11, 2023: Patriot Day. An annual observance to remember and honor those who were injured or killed during the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
September 15, 2023: POW*MIA Recognition Day.
September 18, 2023: U.S. Air Force Birthday.
September 24, 2023: Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day. A day to honor the families of fallen Service-members.
October 13, 2023: U.S. Navy Birthday.
October 26, 2023: National Day of the Deployed.
October 26, 2023: BCSO Shredder Event - Veterans Memorial Park - 0900-1030.
November 10, 2023: U.S. Marine Corps Birthday.
November 11, 2023: 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.
November 11, 2023: St Francis Reflections Veterans Day 5K - Veterans Memorial Park and Center - 0600-1000; followed by VMC Veterans Day Ceremony - Plaza, Center, and Gray Hall, with lunch courtesy of Chick Fil-A SR 520, 1030—1230.
December 07, 2023: Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. The anniversary of the day Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, signaling the United States’ entrance into World War II.
December 13, 2023: U.S. National Guard Birthday.
Rolling Thunder® Chapter 1 Florida General Membership meetings
begin at 1400 (2:00 PM) the 4th Sunday of every month, excluding May.
begin at 1400 (2:00 PM) the 4th Sunday of every month, excluding May.
* January 22, 2023
* February 19, 2023 - Board of Directors Meeting at 1300.
* March 26, 2023
* February 19, 2023 - Board of Directors Meeting at 1300.
* March 26, 2023