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Established in 2016, we have a patriotic mission to support our veteran members as well as local veteran organizations
Veterans Day 2025
Old Glory: This We'll Defend
Veterans Day is observed annually on November 11, commemorating the armistice that ended World War I—signed at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918.
Originally known as Armistice Day, the holiday was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all U.S. military veterans, both living and deceased. It serves not only as a tribute to their service and sacrifice, but also as a powerful reminder of America’s history and the enduring values shared by democratic societies around the world.
Originally known as Armistice Day, the holiday was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all U.S. military veterans, both living and deceased. It serves not only as a tribute to their service and sacrifice, but also as a powerful reminder of America’s history and the enduring values shared by democratic societies around the world.
GlenLakes Veterans Memorial Retreat Ceremony
Join us on November 11 at 5:00 PM for a heartfelt Flag Retreat Ceremony at the GlenLakes Veterans Memorial. This hometown tradition welcomes all residents to gather in honor of our veterans and celebrate the spirit of service and patriotism that unites our community.
Join us on November 11 at 5:00 PM for a heartfelt Flag Retreat Ceremony at the GlenLakes Veterans Memorial. This hometown tradition welcomes all residents to gather in honor of our veterans and celebrate the spirit of service and patriotism that unites our community.
Free Dental Care for Veterans
Special Event
Nov 7 - New Port Ritchey
US Navy 250th Birthday
October 13
(1775 - 2025)
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🎉 U.S. Navy Birthday – October 13
The U.S. Navy celebrates its official birthday on October 13, marking the date in 1775 when the Continental Congress authorized the creation of the Continental Navy. This foundational moment helped shape the maritime force that would become today’s Navy.
In 1972, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Elmo Zumwalt formally designated October 13 as the Navy’s birthday to foster pride and professionalism within the service. Unlike Navy Day (October 27), which is more public-facing, the Navy Birthday is primarily observed within the naval community—active duty, reserves, retirees, and their families.
The U.S. Navy celebrates its official birthday on October 13, marking the date in 1775 when the Continental Congress authorized the creation of the Continental Navy. This foundational moment helped shape the maritime force that would become today’s Navy.
In 1972, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Elmo Zumwalt formally designated October 13 as the Navy’s birthday to foster pride and professionalism within the service. Unlike Navy Day (October 27), which is more public-facing, the Navy Birthday is primarily observed within the naval community—active duty, reserves, retirees, and their families.
The United States Navy has a rich history of exploration and service at sea. From its founding to the present day, the Navy has played a crucial role in various maritime endeavors. Here are some key points about the Navy's legacy at sea:
Historical Significance:
The Navy played a pivotal role in the Vietnam War, with more than 1.8 million Sailors serving throughout the conflict. Its wide-ranging missions—at sea, on land, and in the air—underscore the depth of its contributions. These efforts have been thoughtfully documented through museum exhibits and educational programs, offering powerful insights into the Navy’s impact during the war and its enduring legacy beyond the battlefield.
Visitor Center:
Located in the heart of Washington, DC, the U.S. Navy Memorial Visitor Center offers a deeply immersive journey through naval history. Visitors can explore a rich collection of artifacts, engaging interactive exhibits, and thoughtfully curated educational programs. More than just a museum, it stands as a place of reflection and tribute—honoring the men and women who have served with distinction in the United States Navy.
250th Anniversary Celebration:
As the U.S. Navy marks its 250th anniversary in 2025, it calls upon the nation to reflect on its storied past while embracing the promise of its future. From its earliest battles to its modern missions, the Navy’s maritime legacy stands as a powerful symbol of America’s courage, devotion to freedom, and unwavering commitment to service on the seas.
** Click on any BLUE title above to learn more about each key point **
Historical Significance:
The Navy played a pivotal role in the Vietnam War, with more than 1.8 million Sailors serving throughout the conflict. Its wide-ranging missions—at sea, on land, and in the air—underscore the depth of its contributions. These efforts have been thoughtfully documented through museum exhibits and educational programs, offering powerful insights into the Navy’s impact during the war and its enduring legacy beyond the battlefield.
Visitor Center:
Located in the heart of Washington, DC, the U.S. Navy Memorial Visitor Center offers a deeply immersive journey through naval history. Visitors can explore a rich collection of artifacts, engaging interactive exhibits, and thoughtfully curated educational programs. More than just a museum, it stands as a place of reflection and tribute—honoring the men and women who have served with distinction in the United States Navy.
250th Anniversary Celebration:
As the U.S. Navy marks its 250th anniversary in 2025, it calls upon the nation to reflect on its storied past while embracing the promise of its future. From its earliest battles to its modern missions, the Navy’s maritime legacy stands as a powerful symbol of America’s courage, devotion to freedom, and unwavering commitment to service on the seas.
** Click on any BLUE title above to learn more about each key point **
VA: Public Messages to Veterans
VA Caregiver Support Programs
New VA Sign In Requirement
If you haven’t yet created anID.me orLogin.gov account, now’s the time to get started. GLVFA provides step-by-step instructions to help you through the process—just visit the “Contact” menu and look under the “GLVFA Forms & Docs” section of the website.
In addition, the VA offers a dedicated webpage to guide you through either type of account's particular setup (ID.me or Login.gov). Beyond VA sites, many government agencies—including the Social Security Administration, Internal Revenue Service, and others—now require you to log in using either an ID.me or Login.gov account.
In addition, the VA offers a dedicated webpage to guide you through either type of account's particular setup (ID.me or Login.gov). Beyond VA sites, many government agencies—including the Social Security Administration, Internal Revenue Service, and others—now require you to log in using either an ID.me or Login.gov account.
View the following YouTube video that explains the new VA secure sign-in changes that are soon going to be required to access VA websites, such as VA.gov but also will be required to access many U.S. Government websites.
How to Obtain a Veterans ID Card
The Veterans ID Card -- or VIC -- provides a more portable and secure alternative for those who served the minimum obligated time in service, but did not meet the retirement or medical discharge threshold. Veterans who served in the armed forces, including the reserve components, and who have a discharge of honorable or general (under honorable conditions) can request a VIC. To request a VIC, Veterans must visit vets.gov, click on “Sign In” in the top right hand corner and establish an ID.me account. Once the Veteran verifies their identity they may request to “Apply for the Veteran ID Card”. Veterans who apply for a card should receive it within 60 days and can check delivery status of their cards at vets.gov.
NOVEMBER KEY EVENTS
November tends to be quieter in terms of major commemorative military observances, but it’s still marked by meaningful events and anniversaries. Here are some of the most significant military-related happenings typically recognized in November:
🦅 November 10 – Marine Corps Birthday Founded in 1775, the United States Marine Corps celebrates its origins each year on November 10, honoring a legacy of courage and commitment.
🇺🇸 November 11 – Veterans Day Originally known as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I, the holiday was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all U.S. military veterans—past and present.
⚓ November 23 – Establishment of SPARS During World War II, the U.S. Coast Guard Women's Reserve—known as SPARS—was officially established on November 23, 1942, expanding opportunities for women in military service.
🌏 November 24 – End of U.S. Military Presence in the Philippines On this day in 1992, the United States formally concluded its military presence in the Philippines following the Philippine Senate’s decision not to renew the lease for American bases.
🦅 November 10 – Marine Corps Birthday Founded in 1775, the United States Marine Corps celebrates its origins each year on November 10, honoring a legacy of courage and commitment.
🇺🇸 November 11 – Veterans Day Originally known as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I, the holiday was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all U.S. military veterans—past and present.
⚓ November 23 – Establishment of SPARS During World War II, the U.S. Coast Guard Women's Reserve—known as SPARS—was officially established on November 23, 1942, expanding opportunities for women in military service.
🌏 November 24 – End of U.S. Military Presence in the Philippines On this day in 1992, the United States formally concluded its military presence in the Philippines following the Philippine Senate’s decision not to renew the lease for American bases.
GlenLakes Veterans Memorial
Video Tribute
Veteran News Network
The Veterans News Network (VNN) is a dedicated resource hub offering the latest news, facts, and invaluable support for active military personnel, veterans, and their loved ones. It spans online, print, news media, events, radio, television, and philanthropy. VNN is a channel for Veterans, largely by Veterans, that offers a fun and informative mix of specialized programming that honors, entertains, and informs Veterans of the benefits and services that they have earned. The channel offers a mix of entertaining, informative, and inspiring Veteran-centric content 24 hours a day, seven days a week, making it a powerful public health tool while simultaneously offering Veterans a sense of community through shared experience.
GLVFA Training Assistance
Login.Gov and ID.me
Account Creation
Members will soon be faced with the need of creating new login user accounts for many government and commercial websites. Notibly, many government website members use for their typical needs such as the VA website, Social Security, Medicare, IRS, and more, all will require the use of either id.me or login.gov.
Below are two hot buttons that will enable members to download/view basic account creation instructions to assist them in getting their login.gov and id.me accounts created.
Below are two hot buttons that will enable members to download/view basic account creation instructions to assist them in getting their login.gov and id.me accounts created.
GLVFA Vietnam Vets
Commemorative Web Page
Please visit out dedicated Vietnam War 50th Anniversary of the war's official end.
YouTube Messages from
Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Doug Collins
Click on the YouTube videos below to hear more about what Secretary Collins most recent message to veterans on what is going on with the cuts within the VA system (administration and health care agencies within the VA). Secretary Collins says its all about being more efficient and providing better and more services to the veteran. Click on the YouTube video below to hear his message:
History of the American Soldier
Veteran Disability Services
Please visit our dedicated veteran's disability and general services webpage. The page has a lot of information for our members and veteran online visitors including information about the PACT ACT, VA Hotline, VSO information for our local area, and much more. If you are a veteran who is in need of assistance with disability claims, wanting to know where local veteran groups are/contact info, or perhaps in need of professional litigation services, the page is for you.
GLVFA Charities
Chairman Dick Rowland, President Curt Riley, and FW Springstead HS Jr ROTC Senior Instructor Renee Teague, Maj (ret) with cadets
Partner With Us
Be an integral part of these efforts to honor and aid veterans by making a gift on our DONATE page.
Be an integral part of these efforts to honor and aid veterans by making a gift on our DONATE page.
