0:00One item at the meeting was the discussion of the upcoming April 5th event, designed to both entertain and honor veterans and their families. The event will kick off with the national anthem and a salute to the flag, offering fishing activities, a bounce house, snow cones, and entertainment for those who prefer not to fish. Mr. Green of Fishing with America’s Finest emphasized including Vietnam veterans in the day’s honors, with a planned presentation of official pens and certificates. The event aims to foster community engagement, as local businesses will have the opportunity to promote their services to veterans. The committee expressed gratitude for the efforts of Green, his wife, and the volunteers who contributed to organizing this meaningful tribute.

Logistical concerns were a part of the discussion, with members addressing the need to confirm whether permits were required for the event. They also discussed waste management, with an expectation that the town would handle garbage collection as done in previous events. The committee stressed the importance of ensuring smooth operations and support from the town to make the event successful.

Another agenda item was the veterans’ banner program. The committee proposed a two-year reapplication requirement for veterans to maintain their banners, placing the onus on them to stay active in the program. This change aims to ensure the program’s efficient management while allowing new participants. Discussion included a proposal to create a dedicated submenu on the town’s website to display images of all banners, both current and archived, to enhance accessibility and visibility. The committee sought information on the costs associated with setting up this digital feature and emphasized the need for a clear process to manage banner applications.

16:34In terms of the committee’s financial planning, an estimated net amount of $37,600 was projected from proceeds with allocations of 50% to veterans, 30% to the Veterans Family Scholarship, and 20% to the American Legion Post. Members emphasized the importance of ensuring that funds raised for specific purposes, such as donations, were not absorbed into the general fund, referencing a previous incident where funds were lost. A motion was made to reestablish budget line items for Memorial Day, grants and aid, and the Veterans Park monument to ensure proper allocation and protection of these funds.

The meeting also covered future events and initiatives, including the rebranding of Arbor Day as “Judy Day,” intended to honor the town’s tree canopy. The event is scheduled for May 10 and will feature activities such as tree planting and community engagement. Concerns about QR codes associated with the event were raised, due to reports of scams with stickers placed over the codes, prompting discussions on ensuring the integrity of shared information.

33:38Additionally, the committee discussed the Miami Lakes Veterans website’s need for a section that allows families to search for military banners easily. A motion was made to develop a searchable format.

Administrative matters were also addressed, including the introduction of Charles James, appreciated for his contributions, particularly as the master of ceremonies for the Veterans Day Parade. The committee also worked on finalizing a letter of appreciation for the reindeer run.