Veterans, military families, city officials and residents gathered Wednesday evening at Mizner Park Amphitheater for Red, White & Boca: A Veterans Day Celebration, the City of Boca Raton’s annual tribute to people who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The event was free.
The program included a presentation of colors, the national anthem, a Veterans Day proclamation and remarks from veterans of several branches. A Veterans Marketplace let attendees meet local service organizations and veteran-owned businesses.
Council Member Stacy Sipple opened the evening by describing her family’s military service, from a great-grandfather in World War I to an uncle in Vietnam. She also pointed to the Boca Raton Army Airfield, established in 1942, and called for preserving Memorial Park as a living memorial.
Deputy Mayor Michelle Grau read the proclamation, which designates Nov. 11, 2026, as Veterans Day in Boca Raton.
Retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief Roberto Barney spoke about the difficulties many veterans face after leaving service. He urged residents to keep listening to veterans’ stories beyond the holiday itself.
Other speakers included Madeline “Maddy” Mollach, an Air Force veteran and commander of American Legion Post 277, and Mario Bai, vice flotilla commander of U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 3-6. Marine Corps veteran Edrei Pinheiro shared memories of his deployment to Djibouti. The Coastman Chorus and Belladiva performed, and veterans stood during a medley of armed forces anthems.
Organizers framed the night around practical support: helping military families, volunteering and keeping veterans connected to their communities.
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