August 2026 Veteran Activities; Purple Heart Day, Visit new Veteran Memorial Center and more

Photo Credit: Ray Osborne, Ceremony of new Veteran Memorial Center in township of Grant/Valkarie on July 11th.

August 4 Coast Guard Day: This date marks the anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Coast Guard by an act of Congress in 1790. It honors the men and women who serve as both a federal law enforcement agency and a military, maritime, and multi-mission force.

August 5 Dogs of the K9 Project at SEAL Museum Meet the handlers and their dogs from the Museum’s K9 Project. Learn about the life-changing bond between Special Operators and their canine companions. Included with your paid admission to the Museum, Dogs of the K9 Project is intended for all ages. This interactive experience takes place in the Museum's theater at 12:00 PM. Learn More CLICK HERE

August 7 Purple Heart Day: Commemorates the creation of the Badge of Military Merit—the predecessor to the modern Purple Heart—which was established by General George Washington on that date in 1782.

August 7th Complimentary Ribs and Chicken dinners for Purple Heart recipients. The Sons of the American Legion squad of Post 189 in Sebastian will buy dinners for Purple Heart recipients that attend. Know a Purple Heart recipent? Honor them and invite them for a complimentary dinner at Post 189. See image below.

August 9th Annual Military Order of the Purple Heart Recognition Ceremony. Held at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center Museum in Merritt Island for special recognition of 10 Purple Heart recipients, stories of sacrifice, and Quilt of Valor presentations.

August 10th Agent Orange Awareness Day is observed annually on this date. It marks the date in 1961 when the U.S. began aerial spraying of toxic herbicides in Vietnam. The day honors the service members affected by chemical exposure and raises awareness of related conditions like cancers and heart disease.

Aug 14 – 15 Wounded Veterans Relief Fund Bonito Blast: Participate in or support this fishing tournament at Pirate's Cove Resort & Marina in Stuart.

2026 Memorial Day, Honorable Activities

It's that time of year again when we honor those military members that gave their all - their lives for freedom. This year is special in that it is our nation’s 250th anniversary. Make this memorable not only for yourself but consider the younger generations by inviting your children or grandchildren. Read the activities below and participate with your buddies, your family or ask your neighbor to attend with you.

May 25th, Monday Attend the Barefoot Bay Memorial Day service, 11AM, Building A. Light refreshments to follow. A ceremonial rifle salute with bugler will conclude service.

May 25th, Monday, Sebastian Memorial Day ceremony 11 AM at Riverview Park. This colorful event will include speeches by local VIPs and a tribute by the Sebastian Area Veterans Honor Guard to honor our fallen heroes. The ceremony will feature a three-volley rifle salute, the playing of Taps, and the sounding of a ceremonial ship’s bell. Additionally, a bagpiper will play an assortment of tunes, including "Amazing Grace," while accompanying the ladies from the Auxiliary to place a wreath in the water.There will also be a display of flags representing all branches of the service, including the Space Force and Merchant Marines.

Try something new this Memorial Day. Pay your respects online. Leave comment or virtual flowers at Find A Grave. Click names below.

Technical Sergeant Charles Futch

Private Robert Lee Alexander Hurst

Smart Discounts for Veterans

Save money and get a discount on the services and products offered by businesses that Honor Our Veterans with discounts. For purposes of accuracy we recommend you ask the business what their discounts are before you order. Contact information is on the futhermost right-side of this growing list.

Do you know a company that should be added to this list? we invte you to send us the information on our contact button on right.

Name of Company - Location - Business Type- Contact

Ace Hardware Cape Canaveral Hardware Visit Website

Advance Auto Nationwide Auto Parts Visit Website

Affordable Health Insurace and Free Medicare Reviews Statewide Visit Website

Car Quest Nationwide Auto Parts Visit Website

Crydermans Barbecue Cocoa Eatery Visit Website

Frankies Beachside Indian Harbour Beach Eatery Call (321) 773-7223

Gecko Island Grill Merritt Island Eatery Visit Website

Goodwill Nationwide 2nd hand ware Visit Website

Grout Boss Melbourne Visit Website

Home Depot Nationwide Hardware Visit Website

IHOP Cocoa Beach Eatery Visit Website

Longhorn Steakhouse Nationwide Eatery Visit Website

Lowes Hardware Nationwide Hardware Visit Website

Midas Mufflers Merritt Island Auto Service

Oakmont Lawncare County-wide Yardwork Visit Website

Outback Steakhouse Nationwide Eatery Visit Website

Papa Vitos Cocoa Beach Eatery Visit Website

Southern Charm Cafe Cape Canaveral Eatery Visit Website

Tire Kingdon Merritt Island Visit Website

Too Cool Cafe Indian Harbour Beach Eatery Visit Website

Triangle Auto Merritt Island Visit Website

Radio Show: "Power Lunch Hour"

Attention on deck for all veteran business owners and those wishing to excel in their careers, I'd like to invite you to a new radio show called "Power Lunch Hour" starting Tuesday, July 20th at 11:30 am EST. Grab a sandwich or healthy salad and listen and learn as we feed you with powerful ideas to energize your business or career life. For more info on each show visit the radio's website at WVETonline.com that is WVETonline.com Look for "Power Lunch Hour" with Ray "RayK" Osborne. For moe details call 321-345-1715. Follow urpage at Veteran Matters dot com us for some exciting new developments.