Mayor Jerry L. Demings presented a proclamation declaring Nov. 11, 2025, as Veterans Day in Orange County during the county’s annual Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Council ceremony on Tuesday, praising veterans’ service and thanking community partners.

"On behalf of the Orange County government and the 1,500,000 people who call Orange County home, we are honored and grateful for your service," Demings said as he read and presented the proclamation to the Veterans Advisory Council and the Orange County Veterans Services Office.

The proclamation recited the historical basis for Veterans Day—the armistice that ended major hostilities in World War I on Nov. 11, 1918, and the congressional act of May 13, 1938 that formalized the holiday—and urged residents to reflect on the sacrifices of veterans. Demings used the ceremony to highlight local supports, noting that Orange County’s Veterans Services Office marked its 80th year since 1945 and that the county has more than 70,000 veterans who contribute an estimated $400,000,000 to the local economy.

Retired U.S. Navy Capt. Richard T. Sloan delivered the keynote address, disputing a recent newspaper article’s claim that "veterans are neglected" at the national level and saying that, in Orange County, "veterans are not neglected" because of coordinated local efforts. Sloan recited demographic figures for veterans across eras (World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War era) and reflected on veterans’ civic and workplace contributions.

The program included ceremonial elements: presentation of colors by a Navy Junior ROTC team, musical performances by high-school ensembles, and drill-team demonstrations. Officials and partners recognized at the ceremony included Mayor Demings; Commissioner Nicole Wilson (District 1); Orange County Property Appraiser Amy Mercado; representatives from state and federal offices; the Orange County Veterans Services Office; and participating schools such as Cypress Creek, East River, and Evans High School.

The Veterans Advisory Council also presented pins and commemorations: Vietnam-era veterans and surviving spouses were invited forward to receive 50th-anniversary Vietnam commemoration pins, and all veterans in attendance were offered the council pin. The mayor announced the Veteran of the Year program schedule, naming recent honorees and noting that the 2025 nomination portal would open the next day.

Chaplain Paulette Julian delivered the invocation and benediction during the program. The ceremony closed with acknowledgments of volunteer organizations, county staff, and community partners; refreshments were made available to veterans after the program.