Central Florida remembers Veterans Day 2026

Central Florida remembers Veterans Day 2026

By Jack Pagano
Jackp1957@yahoo.com

Waving flags, marching bands, military vehicles, and grateful spectators lined the streets of Lake Nona as Orlando came together to celebrate those who answered the nation’s call to serve.

For the 27th year, the City of Orlando held its annual Veterans Day Parade, honoring the men and women whose sacrifices have helped preserve America’s freedoms.

Held in Lake Nona, the beautiful fall weather provided a perfect backdrop for the day’s parade.

The sights and sounds from the Orlando Veterans Day parade. Lake Nona, Florida. November 7, 2026 (photo by Jack Pagano)

A VETERAN’S TRADITION

For retired Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Enrique Acosta Gonzalez, the parade is a tradition he refuses to miss. He calls it a yearly “rite of passage” and an opportunity to show future generations the value of service and sacrifice. “I came from the island of Puerto Rico, grew up in the Bronx, and the military gave me a future I could never have imagined,” Gonzalez said with a broad smile.

Navy Chief Petty Officer retired Enrique Acosta Gonzalez walks the parade route with the Anna Eskamani team  during the Orlando Veterans Day parade. Lake Nona, Florida November 7, 2026. (photo by Jack Pagano)

After 26 years of service in the U.S. Navy, he says the military changed his life. He hopes events like the Veterans Day Parade inspire young people and remind families of the opportunities and freedoms made possible through service.

Flor Rodriquez on the far right is walking proudly with the MAC-Military Advisory Council during the Orlando Veterans Day parade. Lake Nona, Florida November 7, 2026 (photo by Jack Pagano)

FREEDOM THROUGH NEW EYES

Flor Rodriguez of Seniority Home Realty was among those cheering on participants along the parade route. Although not a veteran herself, she says she values the spirit and significance of the day.  “I’m a proud U.S. citizen originally from Colombia, and I deeply appreciate our freedom,” Rodriguez said. “This parade expresses freedom.”

Army Retired Colonel Curt Read (l) greets Orange County’s men in blue. Lake Nona, Florida, November 7, 2026 (photo by Jack Pagano)

TEACHING THE NEXT GENERATION

Retired Army Colonel Curt Read attended the parade to honor all those who served, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Looking at the crowds gathered along the route, he was encouraged by the number of children and families in attendance.  “Young people need to know history,” Read said. “Military history and why the sacrifice of serving helped save the world.”

He believes it is important for younger generations to understand that military service requires sacrifice not only from veterans, but also from their families.  Read hopes future generations will continue to appreciate Veterans Day and the meaning it holds for those who have worn the nation’s uniform.

Orlando’s Congressman Maxwell Frost greets parade followers during the 27^th annual Veterans Day parade in Lake Nona. November 7, 2026 (photo by Jack Pagano)

NEVER FORGET

Veterans Day is more than a holiday on the calendar. It is a living reminder that freedom is never free and that every generation has a responsibility to remember those who defended it. In Lake Nona, that lesson rolled down the parade route one float, one flag, and one veteran at a time.

Veteran broadcast journalist Jack Pagano is a retired Army field-grade officer with many decades of Information Operations “in the fight” experience and is currently working remotely in the USA as COO/Strategist for one of Afghanistan’s biggest Radio/TV networks.  His next mission is getting out Afghan journalists he trained and mentored who are stuck, stranded under the sharia-driven Taliban.   Jackp1957@yahoo.com