‘Semper Fi,’ birthday wishes greet Marines at Jacksonville parade

Official Statements

• Blount Island Command, November 11: “JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Calls of “Semper Fi” and “happy birthday” greeted Blount Island’s commander and sergeant major as they rode Nov. 11 through downtown Jacksonville, Florida, in the city’s Veterans Day parade. The Marine Corps marked its 251st birthday the day before. U.S. Marine Corps Col. David Merles, commanding officer of Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island, and Sgt. Maj. Shonor Burton, his senior enlisted leader, rode together in a blue Ford Mustang GT convertible provided by parade organizers.”

• Blount Island Command, November 11: “The two returned waves from adults and children lining the route, joining other area commanders behind Mayor Donna Deegan’s vehicle. Onlookers called out “thank you for your service” and “God bless America.” Marine Corps Junior ROTC cadets from Jean Ribault High School also joined the procession, carrying the U.S. and Marine Corps flags. Deegan spoke that morning during the program following the Mayor’s Veterans Day Breakfast, urging residents to support veterans beyond the day’s observance.”

• Blount Island Command, November 11: “If we really want to honor our veterans, then we should build a city that’s worthy of their service,” Deegan said, pausing as the audience applauded. Earlier in the week, service members sat down Nov. 9 with Northeast Florida business leaders at the JAX Chamber’s annual Military Appreciation Breakfast at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront.”

• Blount Island Command, November 11: “The chamber reserved more than 250 seats for area service members, including two places at each sponsor’s table so local employers and civic leaders could talk with those they had gathered to honor. A Marine color guard from Blount Island Command presented the colors.”

• Blount Island Command, November 11: “The Association of Defense Communities named Jacksonville one of three Great American Defense Communities for 2026, citing civic partnerships and support for service members, veterans and families. In August, an association delegation visited Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Naval Station Mayport and Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island. The five-county Jacksonville metropolitan area is home to about 142,000 veterans, according to Census Bureau estimates for 2020-2024. Deegan’s Veterans Day remarks also addressed veterans’ health, wellness and support for military families.”

• Blount Island Command, November 11: “Service is carried by an entire family, and those families deserve our support too,” she said, encouraging residents to follow veterans’ example of selfless service and looking out for one another. “We can be the kind of city where veterans not only hear they are valued, they experience that they are valued,” Deegan said.”