Florence, South Carolina – The City of Florence Veterans Park Committee has announced plans for the 17th Annual Veterans Day Ceremony, which will take place on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. The event will take place at Florence Veterans Park, located at 601 Woody Jones Boulevard. It is free and open to the public.
At 10:40 a.m., the Wilson High School Chorus will perform live to generate a reflective mood before the main ceremony starts. The program should last about 45 to 50 minutes and will include a keynote speech by a distinguished guest speaker. This is in keeping with the event’s long-standing history of honoring people who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
The ceremonial dedication of the park’s amphitheater to Barringer F. Wingard Jr., Colonel (Retired), USA will be one of the most important parts of this year’s program. Wingard was a well-known leader in the Florence community and was very dedicated to it. He played a key part in turning the park into a permanent homage to the area’s veterans. In addition to this dedication, ten more names of veterans from the Pee Dee area will be carved into the park’s Wall of Honor. This will make sure that their service and sacrifice are remembered for years to come.
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There will also be a number of poignant tributes during the ceremony. The color guard will be from the Wilson High School USAF JROTC, and the Veterans Honor Guard will fire a rifle volley and then play “Taps,” a sad moment that acknowledges the nation’s thanks to its dead heroes.
City Manager Scotty Davis complimented the Veterans Park Committee for their ongoing work to honor local veterans. He said that the event is a strong reminder of the obligation owed to those who have served.
“Each year, this ceremony reminds us of the deep gratitude we owe to the men and women who have served our nation. This year’s dedication of the amphitheater to the late Barringer Barry Wingard makes the occasion especially meaningful, as we honor not only our veterans but also a man whose leadership and commitment helped make Florence Veterans Park what it is today,” Davis said.
Residents of Florence and the nearby areas are encouraged to come and honor the soldiers from the area. There will be limited seating, but people are welcome to bring lawn chairs to sit on throughout the outdoor ceremony. The event promises to mix reflection, appreciation, and community pride as Florence once again comes together to honor those who have served in the military.
