- November 24, 2024
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Mel Jenner, of Ocoee, was the only World War II veteran in attendance. He received a long standing ovation.
The celebration culminated with four military personnel rappelling from the rafters.
Keynote speaker Rocky Bleier is a decorated Vietnam veteran and four-time Super Bowl champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Veterans stood and saluted when their military branch was recognized.
The celebration included special recognition of Vietnam veterans in attendance.
Nashville recording artist Michael Boggs sang “God Bless the U.S.A.â€
Martin Goodwin represented the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Veterans filled the front of the auditorium for this year’s program.
A drumline began the ceremonies.
TFA’s 75-voice Lower School Choir performed at the beginning of the celebration.
TFA’s 75-voice Lower School Choir performed at the beginning of the celebration.
TFA’s 75-voice Lower School Choir performed at the beginning of the celebration.
The U.S. Army Color Guard performed the presentation of colors.
Fred Robinson was the recipient of this year’s American Patriot Award.
The Middle and Upper School Chorus sang each military branch’s song in a moving tribute.
U.S. Marine 2nd Lt. Gregory Summers II — a member of the TFA Class of 2017 — made a surprise appearance.
Grace Cowan was one of several TFA students that helped emcee the event.
The First Academy honored military veterans from throughout Central Florida with its annual Veterans Day Celebration, held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, in the Worship Center at First Orlando.
The celebration featured a plethora of moving moments, including a solemn presentation of colors; performances by TFA’s 75-voice Lower School Choir, and Middle and Upper School Chorus; moments of recognition for each military branch and veterans of every conflict since World War I; a surprise appearance from U.S. Marine 2nd Lt. Gregory Summers II — of the TFA Class of 2017; and even military personnel rappelling from the rafters as Nashville recording artist Michael Boggs sang “God Bless the U.S.A.”
This year's celebration also included special salute to Vietnam veterans and keynote speaker Rocky Bleier — a decorated Vietnam veteran and four-time Super Bowl champion.
