Bunnell, Fla. — November 11, 2025. Patriotic flags waved high over Moody Boulevard as the 3rd Annual Bunnell Veterans Day Parade brought residents, students, and local leaders together to honor the men and women who have served our nation.
It was everything you could want in a hometown parade — unity, gratitude, and a powerful reminder of what Veterans Day represents. As tensions in Washington continue to affect service members nationwide, communities like Flagler County are showing that their veterans will always be valued, remembered, and celebrated.
Local Students Honor Veterans
Among the parade participants were Matanzas High School cheerleaders Kaylee Kimble and Melohdi Smith, who proudly represented their school while showing appreciation for local veterans.
“I was like, it’s going to be so cold — but it’s so fun,” said Smith. “I love supporting our veterans and the people who serve for this country.”
“It was great,” added Kimble.
For Kimble’s mother, Brittany Dickerson, the day was personal and emotional.
“It was an honor for my daughter to participate for the long line of veterans in our family,” she shared.
A Flag Flies High Over Bunnell
With more than 50 floats, organizations, and community groups participating, the Bunnell Veterans Day Parade filled downtown streets with color and pride. A massive American flag stretched across Moody Boulevard — a display courtesy of John’s Towing, operated by Bunnell Vice Mayor John Rogers.
“We’re just out here doing our part. We love this community,” said Rogers. “Chief David Brannon put this together, and he’s amazing. The kids are having a blast, the whole community’s having a blast. Anytime we can get together and celebrate our veterans and our great nation, it’s a win.”
Veterans Ceremony and Award Presentation
The parade concluded at the Flagler County Government Services Building, where Flagler County Veterans Services Officer David Lydon led the annual ceremony honoring local heroes.
During the event, Colonel Gary E. DeKay Veteran of the Year Award was presented to Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Chief Mark Strobridge, recognizing his lifetime of service and leadership.
“There are so many people I could name that are more deserving than I am of this award,” said Strobridge. “Every veteran wrote that check — ‘send me, I will go and stand between you and danger.’ I’m thankful to have worked with a great team and had a great mentor in Sheriff Rick Staly, who’s guided me for more than 40 years. I’ve had so many great examples in my life, and I’m very appreciative of all of them.”
A Community United in Gratitude
Supported by service organizations and Flagler County Assist, as the music faded and the final floats rolled by, one thing was clear — in Flagler County, honoring veterans is more than a tradition. It’s a shared commitment to community, country, and the values that unite us all.
