HIALEAH, FLA. (WSVN) - It is the eleventh of November, and on this day in 1918, World War I came to an end, and all veterans are being honored with special celebrations and tributes across South Florida.
Hialeah Fire Rescue is commemorating veterans at their station at 93 E. Fifth St., Wednesday.
At the event, speakers will be thanking the men and women in the United States Military for their service.
“I’m glad to see we recognize all our firefighters and all of us veterans on this special day for us,” veteran Pat Carnevale said.
At the end, a plaque was presented with the names of firefighters who proudly served in the military.
In Miami Gardens, members of the Miami Heat Organization, including legends like Alonzo Mourning, Shane Battier and Glen Rice made surprise visits to veterans at their homes. They gifted them with Heat gear, new home fixtures and a $3,000 check.
“I’m shocked and I’m happy, you know, it made my day,” said veteran Tommy Collins. “It’s still making my day, so it’s going to take a couple of days for it to really absorb in.”
“Mister Collins is a veteran, and we just want to acknowledge him today on Veterans Day and thank him for the sacrifices that he’s made for our country,” said Mourning.
In Hollywood, Air Pros USA awarded U.S. Navy veteran Jayme Franco a new air conditioning unit.
“I’m speechless, like I said, I don’t know what to say,” Franco said. “I guess I never won anything in my life.”
Franco joined the Navy when he was 17, and now, at 81 years old, he is thankful to be recognized for his service.
“It’s just really nice to be able to come out here and select somebody and do something nice and give back to them,” Air Pros USA spokesperson Paul Glenn said.
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