Tampa area communities, groups honor veterans

Here are some Veterans Day events planned in the Tampa Bay area:

CEREMONY AT VETERANS PARK AND MUSEUM

The Hillsborough County Veterans Council will hold a Veterans Day ceremony at 11 a.m. today at Veterans Park and Museum, 3602 U.S. 301. More than 100 junior ROTC cadets from local schools will present a traditional pass in review ceremony. The council's most prestigious honor, the Edwin Porterfield Award, will be presented in memory of Phyllis Busansky, a Hillsborough County supervisor of elections and former county commissioner who died in June. Steven Scott, chief of the Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa, will deliver the keynote speech. Tented seating is available, and refreshments will be served after the ceremony. For information call Dave Braun, (813) 310-8513.

JAMES A. HALEY VETERANS HOSPITAL PARADE

A parade to honor veterans is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. today at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in North Tampa. The processional, featuring more than 35 units including veterans service organizations, high school bands, ROTCs, Gasparilla krewes and more, will enter the hospital's grounds on Livingston and 131st Avenue, proceeding on Richard Silver Way, making a left in front of the Fisher House and circling in front of Haley's Cove. Antique cars will be displayed, and a cookout will follow an 11 a.m. ceremony in front of Fisher House.

BAY PINES CEREMONY

A program featuring a firing detail, wreath presentation, music performed by Keswick Christian School's wind ensemble and choir, and words from state Rep. Bill Heller, D-St. Petersburg, is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. at the Bay Pines Veterans Administration Medical Center in Pinellas County. The 1st Florida Chapter of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association will provide a display. The Medical Center is at 10,000 Bay Pines Blvd.; follow signs for on-campus parking and shuttle service is available from the parking lot to the event.

SATURDAY PARADE IN RUSKIN

At 11 a.m. Saturday, Ruskin Memorial VFW Post 6287 will host a parade honoring veterans. The parade will travel 1.6 miles along U.S. 41 from Fifth Avenue Southeast to 19th Avenue Northeast. John Santosuoffo, a prisoner of war in World War II, will be grand marshal. Area organizations and businesses will provide parade participants.