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 - Dena Armstrong (rtfl1events@gmail.com) - 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 - Dena Armstrong (rtfl1events@gmail.com) - 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 19, 2023: Rolling Thunder® Chapter 1 Florida General Membership Meeting. The public is invited.
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 25, 2023: Back Brevard Heroes Fundraiser in Veterans Memorial Park 0900-1700.
*February 26, 2023: Dedication of a POW*MIA Monument. The FINAL staging area will be the American Legion Post 189, 807 Louisiana Avenue, Sebastian, FL 32958. You must be there no later than 12:30, it's kickstands up at 12:50.
Anyone wishing to meet at the Sam's Club parking lot (I-95 & 520) beforehand, to travel down as a group, should be there no later than 11:00 a.m. with kickstands up no later than 11:20 a.m.
Anyone wishing to meet at the Sam's Club parking lot (I-95 & 520) beforehand, to travel down as a group, should be there no later than 11:00 a.m. with kickstands up no later than 11:20 a.m.
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 22, 2023: POW*MIA Flag Raising at 1400 hours (2:00 pm) at the Alura Senior Living, 777 Roy Wall Blvd., Rockledge, FL 32955
* March 23, 2023: Funeral Escort for SgtMaj (E-9) USMC (Ret), Paul Joseph Chevalier. Departing from Dignity Memorial Gardens in Rockledge, at 11:15 hours en route to Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, arriving by 12:30 hours.
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 25, 2023: Space Coast Jeep Club Show and Blessing at VMC Plaza area 1000-1400.
March 25, 2023: Medal of Honor Tribute Annual Spring Fling at Veterans Memorial Park (North Central) 1100-1600. Food, Drinks, Bounce House, Games etc, as fundraiser for the Medal Of Honor Monument. Contact USA River Rats at VMC (Don Flammio) for more information.
* March 26, 2023: Rolling Thunder® Chapter 1 Florida General Membership Meeting. The public is invited.
March 29, 2023: National Vietnam Veterans Day. A national holiday to recognize and honor Veterans who served in the military during the Vietnam War.
March 29, 2023: Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Ceremony and pinning at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Scottsmoor/Mims 1530-1630, and Lake Nona VA Medical Center from 10:30 - 11:30AM.
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April 01, 2023: American Legion AUX 344 annual Easter Egg Hunt at Veterans Memorial Park 1300-1500.
April 01, 2023: Military Family Appreciation Dinner to Celebrate the Month of the Military Child and Fun Fest sponsored by AVET at Cocoa Beach Country Club 1700-2000. Email: info@avet-project.org
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 14, 2023: Shrimp Feast sponsored by the Propeller Club 1800-2100 at Terminal 5, 9245Charles Rowland Dr, Port Canaveral. Great food, raffles, auction, prizes, sponsors, etc Fundraiser. Tickets required and available through the Propeller Club web site.
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* April 15, & 16, 2023: Cocoa Beach Air Show. Chapter 1 to assist promoters and vendors with volunteers. |
April 16, 2023: Tough Ruck Boston 26.2 For The Fallen. Steve Celeste, a Brevard County GWOT veteran , will be among 1000 doing a Tough Ruck March during the Boston Marathon to raise money for the children and families of the fallen. Donation and information through: https://runsignup.com/steveceleste.
NEW DATE - April 21, 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: ReflectionsLSC.org/EltonJohn. Or Text “EltonJohn” to 41444.
April 23, 2023: Army Reserve Birthday.
* April 23, 2023: Rolling Thunder® Chapter 1 Florida General Membership Meeting. The public is invited.
April 25, 2023: VMC Library Discussion Series, Library, 1800-1930 Turning Point of the Revolutionary War: The Battle of Saratoga. Contact Librarian Joe Davie at VMC for more information. jdavie@cfl.rr.com
* April 27, 2023: Cocoa Beach regional Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony - 1700 hours - 126 N Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach. THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED.
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.
April 29, 2023: 2nd Annual NVHS Charity Golf Tournament. Details in late March. Call NVHS on 321-208-7562 for more info.
* April 30, 2023: The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall escort departs the Eastern State College, Cocoa Campus at 10:00 AM en-route to Wickham Park, Melbourne.
May 01, 2023: Silver Star Banner Day – Per Congressional resolution, it is an “Official Day to honor wounded, ill, and injured Veterans”.
* May 01-07, 2023: Florida’s 35th Annual Vietnam and All Veterans Reunion at Wickham Park, Melbourne. Traveling Wall , both, food and drinks, entertainment, displays, and more. Contact VVB Quartermaster Faye Nelson for more information. Register via email to vvbquartermaster@gmail.com after April 11th.
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* May 01, 2023: Presentation of Wreaths at "The Wall" at 6:00 PM; Opening Ceremonies of the Vietnam Veterans and All Veterans Reunion to follow at 7:00 PM.
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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 15, 2023: Peace Officers Memorial Day.
Peace Officers Memorial Day is Monday, May 15. The day honors peace officers who have died, or who have been disabled, in the line of duty. In accordance with U.S.C. Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 7(m) of the U.S. Flag Code, the United States flag shall be flown at half-staff from dawn to dusk on Peace Officers Memorial Day.
Peace Officers Memorial Day is Monday, May 15. The day honors peace officers who have died, or who have been disabled, in the line of duty. In accordance with U.S.C. Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 7(m) of the U.S. Flag Code, the United States flag shall be flown at half-staff from dawn to dusk on Peace Officers Memorial Day.
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.
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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 Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce, MAC, VMC, MOAACC Good Deeds Foundation, and Military Recruiters. 
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* May 23, 2023: 9:00 A.M. - The Brevard County Commissioners will present a proclamation, honoring Gold Star Families, to Rolling Thunder FL Chapter 1 which will be read at the Flame of Freedom Ceremony on May 26, 2023. Everyone is invited to attend the meeting as a show of Rolling Thunder FL Chapter 1 support!
* May 26, 2023: RED SHIRTS - 12:45 hours - One 9 Travel Center, 455 W King St (Hwy 520), Cocoa, FL 32926. KSU 13:00 hours. Ride Captain: Don "Chez" Chesbro - Patriot Guard Riders.
Summary: The PGR has a request and is honored to set up our Vietnam & Global War on Terrorism Walls for Rolling Thunder’s Memorial Day event located at the Veterans Memorial Center in Merritt Island.
Rolling Thunder® will accompany the PGR while we escort The Walls (approximately 8 miles) from I-95 & and Hwy 520 to the Veterans Memorial Center to set up The Walls. The Walls will be on display from Friday May 26 through Sunday May 28. A Candlelight Vigil will be held at The Walls for Gold Star Families Friday evening and on display for various other activities throughout the Memorial Day weekend.
Expect a separate HOTH mission to be posted identifying separate activities and times during The Wall display over the weekend.
Any assistance you can provide would be greatly appreciated
Summary: The PGR has a request and is honored to set up our Vietnam & Global War on Terrorism Walls for Rolling Thunder’s Memorial Day event located at the Veterans Memorial Center in Merritt Island.
Rolling Thunder® will accompany the PGR while we escort The Walls (approximately 8 miles) from I-95 & and Hwy 520 to the Veterans Memorial Center to set up The Walls. The Walls will be on display from Friday May 26 through Sunday May 28. A Candlelight Vigil will be held at The Walls for Gold Star Families Friday evening and on display for various other activities throughout the Memorial Day weekend.
Expect a separate HOTH mission to be posted identifying separate activities and times during The Wall display over the weekend.
Any assistance you can provide would be greatly appreciated
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* May 26, 27. 28, 2023: Rolling Thunder® Florida Memorial Day Weekend - FLORIDA RIDE FOR FREEDOM XXXV. Click on the main menu button above for more details. May 26, 2023: Gold Star Family Dinner and *Flame of Freedom Ceremony.
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May 29, 2023: Memorial Day. A solemn occasion to honor the men and women who died while serving in the military.
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* May 29, 2023: Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony - Veterans Memorial Center 0930-1030. |
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May 29, 2023: Memorial Day Ceremony at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Scottsmoor 0900-1000.
May 29, 2023: Memorial Day Ceremony and Display downtown Cocoa Riverfront Park 1600-1800.
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 10, 2023: Zachary M. Martin Memorial Run/Walk - 0800 - Viera Regional Park, 2300 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Melbourne, FL., to honor Marine PFC Zachary Martin, who took his own life in June 2022. Proceeds from registrations will go to Stop Soldier Suicide out of Durham, NC. For more information and to register please visit:
https://raceroster.com/events/2023/65965/zachary-m-martin-memorial-runwalk/page/about-zachary
https://raceroster.com/events/2023/65965/zachary-m-martin-memorial-runwalk/page/about-zachary
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 24, 2023: Military Appreciation Night at Space Coast Stadium in Viera during USSSA Pride Professional Women’s Fast Pitch Softball Game. Honoring Active Duty and Veterans. Dedication of Permanent POW*MIA installed seat behind home plate featuring Rolling Thunder® Chapter 1 Florida.
* June 25, 2023: Rolling Thunder® Chapter 1 Florida General Membership Meeting. The public is invited.
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. AVET BBQ for Vets planned after the Parade at VMC. 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 06, 2023: Purple Heart Remembrance Day by MOPH Brevard at the VMC Gray Hall and Plaza 1400-1600. Details in June.
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 11, 2023: Patriot Day - 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at VMC 1630-1900. Details in July.
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 06, 2023: Eighth Annual NVHS Rescuing Veterans Lost in America Dinner and Fundraiser. 1730-2100 at the Radisson Resort at the Port. 8701Astronaut Blvd, Cape Canaveral. Sponsorships available. $100 per place fundraiser. email event@nvhs.org or Call NVHS 321-208-7562 for more information.
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...
* November 11, 2023: VMC Veterans Day Ceremony - Plaza, Center, and Gray Hall, with lunch courtesy of Chick Fil-A SR 520; 1030—1230.
November 12, 2023: Sixth Annual NVHS Homestretch 5K for Homeless Veterans. Details in August. Call NVHS 321-208-7562 for more info.
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
* April 23, 2023
* May - Memorial Day Ceremonies
* June 25, 2023
* July 23, 2023
* August 27, 2023
* September 24, 2023
* October 22, 2023
* November 26, 2023 - Subject to change
* December 2023 - Details will be provided as we get further into the year end holidays.
* February 19, 2023 - Board of Directors Meeting at 1300.
* March 26, 2023
* April 23, 2023
* May - Memorial Day Ceremonies
* June 25, 2023
* July 23, 2023
* August 27, 2023
* September 24, 2023
* October 22, 2023
* November 26, 2023 - Subject to change
* December 2023 - Details will be provided as we get further into the year end holidays.