On Sunday, November 8th, 2009, the world famous Citrus Tower in Clermont, Florida was once again the host location for the 10th Annual Classic Vehicles Show Honoring All Veterans. The 2009 Veterans Celebration started around 8:30am, with registration opening up to the crowd of vehicles already anticipating the events of the day. Each registration fee of $15 included a ticket for coffee, a chance at the door prizes and a chance to win the 4-post auto lift furnished by Affordable Automotive Equipment of Orlando. This show is unique in the fact that you can register your vehicle more than once in an attempt to win the 4-post lift. The announcing and DJ duties were performed throughout the day by WJBJ Cruisin’ With The Classics personalities Butch and Jennifer Johnston, playing the best of the 50’s thru 70’s plus requests from their mobile studio.

As the morning progressed, the Colors were posted, and just before 11:00am, the Pledge of Allegiance was said, followed by Cindy Clark singing Our National Anthem. Chaplin Charlie First performed the invocation, and then the introductory remarks were quoted from the inscription on the Korean War Memorial in Washington, D.C. and all were reminded, “The price of freedom is high. We cannot afford to forget those willing to pay it.” The ceremonies continued with a guest speaker, Judith Rozenboom, then followed with the POW/MIA Ceremony, a 21-gun salute, TAPS being played by Maxine Parker, the Navy ROTC drill team of South Lake High School performed, and the local Boy Scouts demonstrating the proper way of folding a flag. The ceremonies finished with a Fly-over featuring Korean Era aircraft flying the “Missing Man” formation. Exhibitors present at the show included the Boy Scouts, The Lake County Sheriff’s Department, the Clermont Police and Fire Departments, as well as a large group of historic military vehicles displayed by the Military Vehicle Preservation Association.

After the judging was completed, the awards ceremony took place, and the 4-post car lift was given away. A 50/50 drawing was also held, concluding the tribute celebrating and honoring all veterans who haveserved our country, protecting our freedoms.

The 10th Annual Veterans Celebration Car Show has become an annual event hosted by the Korean War Veterans of Lake County Chapter #188, and honors our veterans from all wars and conflicts as well as those who have given their lives or are still missing in action by providing informative and proper ceremonies, while displaying great classic cars along with historic military vehicles. Information on the upcoming 11th Annual Veterans Celebration Car Show will be published as soon as it is available, so look for a listing in the Coming Attractions section of Mike Kelly’s Cruise News. CN