opening festivities of the ride for freedom xxxviii
Friday Festivities
Opening Ceremony Mike Erdman Toyota
Flag Raising and Tour at NASA's Kennedy Space Center
Lunch at Sponsor Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill
Opening Ceremony Mike Erdman Toyota
Flag Raising and Tour at NASA's Kennedy Space Center
Lunch at Sponsor Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill
Video of the POW*MIA flag raising
Video of Free Concert with band Vintage
Florida Chapter 3 makes call to the winner of the raffle bike (VROD) and Dr. Lance Armstrong, Florida Chapter 1 makes the Ride briefing
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And today will roll - Ride For Freedom XXXVIII
Grand Opening of The Amphitheatre at Veterans Memorial Park
"Congratulations to the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center and the Merritt Island Redevelopment Agency on the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Amphitheater at Brevard Veterans Memorial Park! After a decade of collaboration between MIRA, Brevard County, and the State of Florida, this new amphitheater will give our local veterans, families, and countless visitors to our county a place to gather for decades to come!"
- Senator Debbie Mayfield | Florida Senate District #19
- Senator Debbie Mayfield | Florida Senate District #19
CHAPTER 1 ATTENDEES AND OTHER DIGNITARIES, APRIL 23, 2026
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(L-R) Betty Jo Green, Medal of Honor Recipient SFC Melvin Morris, Palm Bay Mayor Rob Medina
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PRESENTATION OF COLORS
BCVMC Color Guard
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Narration by Don Parsell
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RAISING THE POW*MIA FLAG
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Jeanie and Donn Weaver
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Chairman of the Board Billy Van Doren assisted by Donn Weaver
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CUTTING THE RIBBON
Brevard County Sheriff, Wayne Ivey
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Cutting the ribbon is Ian Golden, Director of Brevard County Parks and Recreation
"Thanks to you all for playing a role in the flag raising or other portions of the ceremony yesterday. It was a great turnout and quite a launch for our amazing community facility. Also appreciate others who attended the event and this who supported this long awaited project. Crowd estimate was over 300.
Having the chance to see this 9 year effort through to reality meant a lot. The Ribbon Cutting on 23 April ushered in a great new venue and the scene of hundreds of special events in the years ahead from JROTC meets to nationally known concerts.
As many said yesterday, it took vision and determination to make this happen. I Cannot say enough in support of Ivey’s Construction and their many sub-contractors, not only for the quality of the project but also for so much support during the 16 months to help us carry on many events around the construction."
-Donn Weaver
Having the chance to see this 9 year effort through to reality meant a lot. The Ribbon Cutting on 23 April ushered in a great new venue and the scene of hundreds of special events in the years ahead from JROTC meets to nationally known concerts.
As many said yesterday, it took vision and determination to make this happen. I Cannot say enough in support of Ivey’s Construction and their many sub-contractors, not only for the quality of the project but also for so much support during the 16 months to help us carry on many events around the construction."
-Donn Weaver
Photo credits: Walt Marshall, Amanda Hernkind, Betty Jo Green, Donn Weaver
high school jrotc seniors oath of office ceremony
Friday evening, April 17th, I was honored to assist with the swearing in ceremony of fifty-seven High school Jr. ROTC members from all of the High Schools in Brevard County.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Congressman Mike Haridopolos, where his office is helping me with the placing of our POW/MIA flag at the NASA administration building here in the Space Coast. I am confident with his help our flag will fly as high as the rockets that lift off into the sky.
My alternate ambition is to have our patch aboard a mission into space. What a honor that would be for "our" mission.
Also thank you to the Chapter members who participated in the ride-in, showing their pride. You were well received with the families attending.
Billy Van Doren
Chairman of the Board of Directors
I had the pleasure of speaking with Congressman Mike Haridopolos, where his office is helping me with the placing of our POW/MIA flag at the NASA administration building here in the Space Coast. I am confident with his help our flag will fly as high as the rockets that lift off into the sky.
My alternate ambition is to have our patch aboard a mission into space. What a honor that would be for "our" mission.
Also thank you to the Chapter members who participated in the ride-in, showing their pride. You were well received with the families attending.
Billy Van Doren
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Billy Van Doren (L) & Florida District 8 U.S. Congressman Mike Haridopolos
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Sheriff Wayne Ivey, and Congressman Haridopolos among other dignitaries
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Photo credits: Billy Van Doren, Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey
moh tribute dinner
Last night I had the privilege and honor to be at the special tribute dinner for Army medal of honor recipient SFC Melvin Morris. A VietNam veteran who went through hell and survived to live another day.
I thanked him from all our members of Rolling Thunder Fl.1and his words were , "they will not be forgotten". Such a class act to be with . I know his heart and sole are with all that have not come home.
Billy Van Doren
Chairman
I thanked him from all our members of Rolling Thunder Fl.1and his words were , "they will not be forgotten". Such a class act to be with . I know his heart and sole are with all that have not come home.
Billy Van Doren
Chairman
SFC Melvin Morris, Medal of Honor recipient, Billy Van Doren, Chairman of the Board of Directors
Brevard Veterans Memorial Park Amphitheater, restrooms, and vending area nearing completion
Funeral and interment of Private First Class Willard Hoyt Edwards, MIA, Korean War,
Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.
FINALLY HOME
Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.
FINALLY HOME
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Chapter 1 2025 Christmas Party
Wreaths Across America - Cape Canaveral National Cemetery
Chapter 1 President Dr. Lance Armstrong places a wreath on friends headstone.
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Dreama and Melissa Justice place a wreath on Past President "JJ" Justice's headstone.
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Chapter 1 visits Joe's Club in Melbourne for Veterans Day Ceremony
At our 28 September general meeting, Florida Chapter 1 presented a $1.000 check and plaque for the horse drawn Caisson at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery led by Tom Fitzgerald, of Solemn Pride. Pictured here, Dr. Lance Armstrong (R), President, Chapter 1, presents the check and a special sign to Don Pearsall who works with the Caisson Team.
For more information about Solemn Pride, please visit their website at: https://solemnpride.org/
Flag raising at Brevard County Fire Rescue Station #43. Photo credit: Cindy Flowers.