Support Those Who Served…a Veterans Day Tradition

October 23, 2020 – Sarasota

Challenging COVID-19 head-on, the Rotary Club of Longboat Key will honor local veterans in their 7th annual recognition.  This year’s event will be an outdoor “pandemic sensitive” patriotic display on Veterans Day, November 11th, at 11:00 AM on Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key.

Leading by example, and working closely with the Town of Longboat Key, “the Rotary Club is thrilled to recognize our special LBK veterans while ensuring all remain very safe” says Scott Wuesthoff, a retired Air Force brigadier general and the Rotary’s event coordinator.  

The final plan is for a flag-lined Bay Isles Road with banners reflecting the various periods of service on display near the Post Office.  Six Service flags will be on display in front of Temple Beth Israel along with a “quick stop” where Rotary Club members will hand veterans a small token of appreciation and express their gratitude.  

While the Rotary Club had originally planned on a full color guard and brass quartet, they are now working with All Angels Episcopal Church to broadcast patriotic music via their carillon, from 1100 until 1200.  

At the end of the day, “all are safe, and we still get to recognize our veterans with a flag display that touches their hearts”, says Wuesthoff.  “In fact, we’d love to have all veterans, Longboat Key and otherwise, drive-by and be recognized.”  

Wanting to do more, the Rotary Club of Longboat Key is also conducting a fundraising campaign in support of three local nonprofits which provide direct support to veterans and their families.  

While the fundraising is going well, the Rotary Club welcomes any and all support as the need is persistent and growing.  One-hundred percent of the proceeds of the campaign will be shared with the Fisher House Foundation, Turning Points Yellow Ribbon Project, and SRQ Vets, all of which serve both Manatee and Sarasota County veterans.  

For those who would like to help support veterans in need, visit longboatkeyrotary.org or forward a check made payable and sent to the Club’s 501(c)(3) charitable arm:  Rotary LBK Charitable Fund, P.O. Box 8351, Longboat Key, FL 34228.