In 1993, Lehigh Community Park South opened, but within a year, its name changed to Veterans Park.
Christine Garris with Lehigh’s local American Legion post said since then, the community celebrates every Veterans Day at the park.
“We love Lehigh Acres, and we love being so a part of this community, and we appreciate everybody,” Garris said.
Both Lehighs’ American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars chapters celebrate and honor the past, current and future servicemen and women together.
They raised the flag, recited the pledge of allegiance and shared what service means to them.
More than 800 veterans are members in Lehigh’s American Legion post.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, from 2018 to 2022, 5,113 veterans called Lehigh Acres home.
Garris said, “There’s a strong foundation here of veterans.”
Watch Lehigh Acres Community Correspondent Ella Rhoades report below:
80 YEARS LATER: WWII veteran takes part in decades long tradition at Veterans Park
Charles Appler represents that strong foundation she mentioned.