Every Day is Veterans Day in Jacksonville
“Jacksonville is a military town, and we are very proud of it!”
*USS Orleck DD 886 Museum Update*
The USS Orleck has made it to Jacksonville! She arrived in March after a long journey from Texas, through the Gulf, and around Florida to her final resting place at Jacksonville Naval Museum. Currently she is temporarily moored at the Jacksonville Riverfront North bank, while her berth at the Naval Museum finishes preparations. The USS Orleck has a long and decorated history, from her commissioning in 1945 through Korea to the most decorated ship of the Vietnam era. She has earned 18 Battle Stars. AFR has already experienced an influx of requests for 2023 reunions in Jacksonville centered around the new Museum Ship. Read more below about the many other reasons military reunion groups have visited the area for decades and get started on planning your next reunion today. Secure your preferred dates now and get the best hotel contract available in all of Jacksonville! Head to BookMyReunion.com/Jacksonville and submit your group’s information today. For groups with 100 attendees or less or hotel partners offer AFR’s Risk Free Military Reunion Hotel Contract. If your group is over 100 attendees give us a call today to learn about our full array of services.
Armed Forces Reunions, Inc. has taken military reunion groups to every corner of our great nation throughout our long history. The number of cities we have planned groups in is over 150 and still growing. When it comes to picking the best destination for your reunion group, AFR has been there and done that. Although we’ve planned events in almost any city you can name, there are only about 20-30 TOP REUNION DESTINATIONS that we guide multiple groups to every year. These cities offer a unique mix of military bases, sites, museums, attractions, history, and cultural diversity.
This month we are highlighting a truly “reunion-friendly” city in the Sunshine State, Jacksonville, FL. They take pride in being a military town, and being in Florida, you can be confident that all the restaurants, sights, and attractions will be open near full capacity for this summer and fall’s reunion season.
Nestled between the beautiful Atlantic Ocean and the sparkling St. Johns River, the “River City by the Sea” is the perfect destination for military families and groups looking to honor our nation’s heroes and enjoy a great time. Home to a longstanding military presence, Jacksonville has two navy bases, armed forces monuments, historic sites, thousands of active-duty military personnel, plus a vibrant arts and culture scene, an extensive park system, pristine beaches, delicious authentic cuisine, fun attractions, and great Southern hospitality waiting to entertain visitors from across the globe.
Naval Air Station Jacksonville is the birthplace of the famed Blue Angels. And at the beaches, Naval Station Mayport welcomes ships from all over the world. The annual Jacksonville Air Show alternates between the sandy shores of Jacksonville Beach and the impressive force of NAS JAX every October. Another annual event where their military heritage is celebrated and elevated is the Jacksonville Veteran’s Day Parade. Held in Downtown, it is the largest military parade in the state of Florida.
Visiting groups and Navy buffs can tour Jacksonville’s military attractions, cruise down the St. Johns River on a dinner cruise boat, explore the outdoors with guided fishing charters, hit the greens in one Jacksonville’s many golf courses, enjoy military appreciation day at THE PLAYERS Championship, cheer on the Jacksonville Jaguars, learn to surf or paddleboard in the 22 miles of beaches, kayak hundreds of miles of wetlands and marshes, enjoy a night at the Symphony, visit the Jacksonville Maritime Heritage Center, and indulge in Jacksonville’s diverse dining and nightlife scene.
“Only in Jax” Military Sites
- Duval County Veterans Memorial Wall- Downtown
- Memorial Park- Riverside
- The Lone Sailor Statue- Southbank RiverWalk in Downtown
- The Museum of Southern History- Avondale
- Yellow Bluff Fort Historic State Park- Northside
- Jacksonville Maritime Heritage Center- Downtown
Call or email Charley Dey at 757-625-6401 or charley@afri.com