The Veterans Tribute Tower Committee hosted a heartfelt Veterans Day Ceremony and Remembrance Day Recognition on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, at Beal Memorial Cemetery. The ceremony began at 11 a.m. and featured keynote speaker Brigadier General Mark A. Massaro, Commander of the 96th Test Wing at Eglin Air Force Base.
Continuing a special international tradition, members of the historic 80 Squadron—including Commanding Officer, British Royal Navy Commander Chris Wilcox, and military families from Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom’s F-35 Program stationed at Eglin—joined local veterans and guests for the tribute. Cadets from Fort Walton Beach High School’s Air Force JROTC also participated in the ceremony.
Guests honored those who served by placing small bouquets in a Community Wreath of Remembrance, symbolizing unity and gratitude for all who have defended freedom.
Event organizer Tom Rice expressed gratitude for the international participation, noting that in the U.K., Canada, and Australia, the week is celebrated as a commemoration of the end of the Great War—World War I—making the shared ceremony especially meaningful.
