Flagler Veterans Day Parade Committee Names Lt. Col. David Freeman (Ret.) as 2025 Grand Marshal

Army veteran, educator, and Appalachian Trail finisher honored for a lifetime of service and endurance

Bunnell, FL — October 17, 2025 — The Flagler Veterans Day Parade Planning Committee is proud to announce Lieutenant Colonel David Freeman (Retired), U.S. Army, as the Grand Marshal of the 2025 Flagler County Veterans Day Parade, to be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in downtown Bunnell.

Lt. Col. Freeman currently serves as the Chief of Operational Services for Flagler Schools and is widely admired across Flagler County for his steadfast leadership, humility, and lifelong commitment to service—both to his country and his community.

A decorated combat veteran, Freeman’s distinguished military career spanned over two decades, beginning in 1983 and continuing through 2004, followed by a return to active duty from 2006 to 2008 in support of operations in Iraq. His service earned him an extraordinary list of honors, including the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (4 awards), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2 awards), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal (6 awards), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Iraq Campaign Medal, among others.

Freeman also completed the elite Airborne (1982), Ranger (1983), and Air Assault (1995) courses and served in assignments across the globe—from Fort Benning and Fort Stewart to Germany, MacDill AFB, and beyond.

Following his military retirement, Freeman continued a life of service through public education, where he now oversees district operations for Flagler Schools, ensuring safety, logistics, and infrastructure serve students and staff every day.

A New Chapter of Endurance and Inspiration

Earlier this year, Lt. Col. Freeman captured the attention of the entire community when he completed the entire 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail, hiking from Springer Mountain, Georgia, to Mount Katahdin, Maine. Sponsored by Warrior Expeditions, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting combat veterans through outdoor therapy programs, Freeman spent five months trekking through 14 states—averaging 17 to 25 miles per day—through rain, snow, heat, and rugged mountain terrain.

The feat was chronicled in the Palm Coast Observer by Ryan Andrews, a Flagler Schools principal and longtime hiking companion, who joined Freeman for part of the trail in Virginia. Andrews described the Appalachian Trail as “a thin, 12-inch-wide, worn-out path of dirt and rock” that tests every ounce of determination a hiker possesses. Only about a quarter of those who attempt it ever finish.

Freeman completed his thru-hike on August 22, 2025, officially joining the small fraternity of adventurers who walked the entire length of America’s most storied trail. His accomplishment, Andrews wrote, is “a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for challenge and achievement.”

Honoring a Lifetime of Service

“Lt. Col. Freeman embodies the very best of our nation’s veterans,” said Bunnell Police Chief David Brannon, Chair of the Flagler Veterans Day Parade Committee. “His record of service—both on the battlefield and in our schools—represents perseverance, humility, and dedication to a greater cause. He is the perfect person to lead this year’s parade.”

The Flagler County Veterans Day Parade begins in downtown Bunnell and concludes at the Flagler County Government Services Building, where a Veterans Day Ceremony and community meal will immediately follow. The event brings together veterans, schools, civic groups, and families to honor those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and to celebrate the enduring spirit of service defining our community.

For parade registration, detour maps, and event details, visit www.FlaglerVeteransDayParade.com.

About the Flagler County Veterans Day Parade & Ceremony

The Flagler Veterans Day Parade is a collaborative community effort that celebrates and honors America’s veterans. The parade is organized by the City of Bunnell in partnership with Flagler County Government (including Veteran Services, the Veterans Advisory Council, Fire-Rescue, and Emergency Management), the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, Flagler Schools, the City of Palm Coast, and several citizen volunteers.

Organizers encourage everyone in the community to come out and line E. Moody Boulevard between U.S. 1 and the Government Services Building on Tuesday, November 11th at 10:00 a.m., and to stay for the Veterans Day Ceremony immediately following the parade.

To experience the spirit and pride of the event, watch the video from last year’s parade at https://youtu.be/hMQe6ZJ9OL8?si=NAjdiZ4VhPuN1r9I.

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