Veterans Day in Northeast Florida: Places to Pay Your Respects

On Marine Street in St. Augustine, just a short walk from the bayfront, there is a quiet acre or so of white headstones under big live oaks. Traffic rolls by on the street, tourists pass on their way to dinner, and inside the gate the only sound is the wind in the trees. On Veterans Day, small flags appear among the rows, and people stop in to read names and leave a moment of thanks.

Northeast Florida has deep military roots, and there are meaningful places across the region to pay respects on November 11 or any day of the year. As an Army veteran who has lived in this area for twenty years, these are the ones I point people to.

St. Augustine National Cemetery

St. Augustine National Cemetery sits at 104 Marine Street, next to the St. Francis Barracks in the historic district. It is small, about 1.4 acres according to its National Register nomination, but its history runs deep. The site has been associated with the military since the early 1800s and was designated a national cemetery in 1881.

Its best known feature is the Dade Pyramids, three coquina monuments that mark the remains of Major Francis L. Dade's command and others who died in the Second Seminole War. Those remains were reinterred here in 1842. Seeing the pyramids in person, with the old city around you, is a powerful reminder of how long service members have been part of this place.

The cemetery is easy to include in a walk through downtown St. Augustine. Please be respectful: it is an active place of remembrance, not a tourist attraction.

Jacksonville National Cemetery

Jacksonville National Cemetery is a very different setting. Located at 4083 Lannie Road on Jacksonville's Northside, it covers 526 acres. The National Cemetery Administration acquired the site in 2008, formally dedicated it that same year and opened it for burials in 2009. Today it serves veterans and their eligible family members across the region.

The grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset, and the office is open on weekdays. The wide, open landscape and long rows of matching headstones make it a peaceful place to visit, especially on a cool November morning.

The Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Wall

Downtown at 1145 East Adams Street, near the stadium, stands the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Wall. According to the City of Jacksonville, it is a 65 foot long black granite monument with a torch and eternal flame at its center, and it honors more than 1,700 Jacksonville area service members who died in service, from World War I through the War on Terror, across all branches including the Merchant Marine.

The city adds new names each year during its Memorial Day ceremony. Visiting the wall on Veterans Day, when the focus is on all who served, is a good time to slow down, read a few names and think about the families behind them.

Jacksonville's Veterans Day Parade

The City of Jacksonville hosts a Veterans Day parade downtown each year. In 2025, the parade began at 11:01 a.m. on November 11 and followed a route of about 1.11 miles along Water, Hogan and Bay streets, rain or shine. A community events calendar lists the 2026 parade for Wednesday, November 11, at 11:01 a.m. Check the City of Jacksonville's website before you go to confirm the route, timing and parking.

Other Ways to Honor Veterans This Week

• Thank someone directly. A neighbor, a friend at church or the veteran in line ahead of you at the coffee shop.
• Visit a local veterans organization post. Many hold open events around Veterans Day.
• Volunteer. Groups that support veterans and military families across Jacksonville and St. Johns County welcome help all year.
• Learn a local story. Northeast Florida has been home to Navy, Army, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and National Guard service members for generations.

Why This Area Means So Much to Veterans

Northeast Florida has a large military and veteran community, which makes it a comfortable place to land after service. If you are considering a move, my post on moving to Northeast Florida as a veteran covers the practical side, from benefits to where people tend to settle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the St. Augustine National Cemetery?

It is at 104 Marine Street in downtown St. Augustine, next to the St. Francis Barracks. It was designated a national cemetery in 1881 and is home to the Dade Pyramids.

What are the visiting hours at Jacksonville National Cemetery?

The National Cemetery Administration lists the grounds as open daily from sunrise to sunset. The office is open Monday through Friday and closed on federal holidays.

When is the Jacksonville Veterans Day parade in 2026?

A community events calendar lists it for Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 11:01 a.m. downtown. Confirm details on the City of Jacksonville's website before you go.

How many names are on the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Wall?

The City of Jacksonville says the wall honors more than 1,700 Jacksonville area service members who died in service, with new names added each Memorial Day.

Find a Home Near the Places That Matter to You

What To Do Right Now

1. Pick one place on this list to visit this Veterans Day week.
2. Confirm the Jacksonville parade time and route on the city's website if you plan to attend.
3. Reach out to a veteran in your life and say thank you.
4. If you are a veteran thinking about moving here, call or text me at (904) 863-6679 and let's talk.

Cover photo: St Aug Nat Cemetery01 by Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.