October 6, 2024
Due to the recent Hurricane Helene damage to American Legion Post 273 Madeira Beach, we regretfully announce the need to cancel the Veterans Boat Parade scheduled for November 9th.
Anthony Torregrossa
Post Commander
Note: This is a Non-Political Event honoring all who served (and those currently serving). We request that all attendees and participants refrain from political messaging.
The Legion will….!
Time: Ceremony begins at….
Parade begins when the Ceremony concludes.
Nov…: Captains’ Meeting at Post 273
Nov…: Captains’ Party at Post 273
Boats will be judged based upon overall decoration of the vessel and conveying a message of support to the service and sacrifices made by our veterans. Displays of the United States Flag, Patriotic Messages, the enthusiasm of the boat participants, decoration originality, interaction with the crowds along the shore and of course patriotic music will certainly get the attention of the judges.
Click the image below to download a copy of the event flyer and share with your friends.
As we do every year, we will be honoring military veterans from all branches of service. The Annual Veterans Boat Parade raises funds to support veterans’needs. Some of the organizations these funds go toward are Dogs Inc., formerly Southeastern Guide Dogs to sponsor a “Guide Dog for Life” to a deserving local veteran, and the USA Patriots Amputee Softball Team. Post 273 also assists local Pinellas County veterans through our“Bridge-the-Gap” Program, & supports “Be The One Suicide Awareness”, Boys and Girls State Education, as well as other veteran groups and veteran programs in our community and state.
At Post 273, again this year we hope to have a boat specifically for Female Veterans.
We are reaching out to Female Vets across Pinellas County to ride on the boat with us.
We are asking female vets in the area to come join us that day. This event will provide us an opportunity to get females outside of our Post or even the American Legion as a whole, to register for an upcoming Female Veterans Forum.
Susan Kohler, First Vice Commander
727-398-5680 – extension 8
In 1996 a small group of patriots from American Legion Post 273 in Madeira Beach started a small boat parade on the Saturday closest to Veterans Day. Boat captains decorated their boats with military-related and patriotic-themed decorations – and prizes were given for those voted as “best.”
What started out years ago as a unique way to utilize our local canals and waterways to honor our Veterans has turned into a prominent fundraiser that now assists our local veteran community
28 Years later, that parade has turned into a year-long celebration that includes participation in – and sponsorship of – numerous events — and the parade itself has grown to the point that the residents of Madeira Beach, Redington Beach & North Redington Beach, along with folks from neighboring towns, flock to the waterways on parade day to honor and cheer on the boats as they pass by!
All the events are designed with the same goal of raising money to help veterans. It’s our way of saying “THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE”
Proceeds from our many annual fundraisers go directly to local Veteran charities and help groups.
All these efforts are made possible by a group of dedicated and tireless volunteers who organize and run these events.
The fundraising efforts are further aided by a wonderful group of business sponsors who want to show their appreciation to our veterans. With their help and financial support, we are able to provide assistance to those who served to protect the freedoms we all enjoy. Please give them your business to thank them for their support.
copyright 2024 – American Legion Post 273
600 American Legion Dr.
Madeira Beach, FL 33706
727-398-5680 extension 1
VetBoatParade@gmail.com
