A weekly Standing O for Flagler County veterans

Each of the 11,000 veterans deserve a standing ovation for their service and bravery.

By Brian McMillan
| 3:10 p.m. August 31, 2021

Palm Coast Observer
Opinion

A few weeks ago, I went to a baseball game in Jacksonville with my son, and a moment still resonates. I hope we can recreate something like it each week in the Palm Coast Observer.

At the game, the announcer directed the crowd’s attention to the big screen behind the fence in left field. On the screen was a photo of a smiling man in uniform and an American flag. He was a military veteran who had served many years with honor.

The crowd’s response was immediate: enthusiastic applause. I looked down the third base line and saw the veteran standing and waving to the crowd. Then, the crowd rose to its feet, and we all applauded even more.

I thought about this veteran, imagining the danger he had been in over the years, the sacrifices his family made. It filled me with love for him, a stranger — as well as for our country, which I believe is worth dying for.

I was happy that this veteran had a moment of recognition, and I imagine those feelings lingered with him; it’s not often in your life that you get a standing ovation from thousands of people.

We have more than 11,000 veterans living in Flagler County, and the Palm Coast Observer wants to recognize them individually as often as we can, hopefully making one per week feel appreciated like that veteran did at the baseball game.

Recognize a veteran

If you or someone you know would like to be considered as Your Veteran of the Week, please email the following information, as well as a photo or two, to [email protected]:

First and last name:
Years of service:
Branch of military:
Rank/occupation:
Hometown:
Current city of residence:
If you’d like, please also share something you learned while serving in the military.

For an example, click here.

Need help with veteran services?

For information about benefits available to veterans and other support organizations, visit https://www.flaglercounty.gov/departments/veterans-services.

author

Brian McMillan

Brian McMillan and his wife, Hailey, bought the Observer in 2023. Before taking on his role as publisher, Brian was the editor from 2010 to 2022, winning numerous awards for his column writing, photography and journalism, from the Florida Press Association.