Veterans Day tributes honor service across Bay County

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - From a cemetery in Panama City to a memorial in Panama City Beach, community members gathered to honor veterans and remember their service this Veterans Day.

At the Catholic Cemetery in Panama City, members of the Knights of Columbus placed American flags on the graves of 104 veterans. Photos of some members and their spouses were also displayed during the ceremony.

Kevin Hall, a Marine Corps veteran and Knights of Columbus member, said the tribute is a way to remember those who served and show their families that their contributions have not been forgotten. He said the gathering also helps veterans maintain the bonds they formed during their time in uniform.

“Someone has to step up and raise their hand to say, I do, and to wear the uniform,” Hall said.

Across the bridge, veterans and their families gathered at the Veterans Memorial at Aaron Bessant Park in Panama City Beach. Arnold High School’s JROTC presented the colors, and attendees heard from newly elected Ward 1 council member Carlos Sanchez, a retired Air Force veteran.

Sanchez said some veterans face struggles after returning home, even while building successful lives. He encouraged them to seek support and reminded them that resources are available in the community and across the country.

“And more importantly, you don’t have to do it alone,” Sanchez said.

Both Hall and Sanchez emphasized the importance of passing the tradition of honoring veterans to younger generations—and supporting those who served beyond Veterans Day.

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