National Purple Heart Day offers Americans an opportunity to say "Thank you" to the nearly two million brave men and women who have earned this honor with their blood and sacrifices. 

The Palma Sola VFW Post 10141, 5105 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, is hosting a ceremony at noon Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, to honor Purple Heart Recipients. It is open to all.

Veterans are you looking for a healthy and exciting activity to do with other Veterans from all Branches of the Service? Come check out the Military Veteran Dragon Boat Team at the Nathan Benderson Park, south of the UTC Mall. 

Dragon Boating is one of the fastest growing water sports with regional, national and international competitions. This is a year-round program. 

The initial paddle is free. All equipment is provided. Practices for new paddlers are on Mondays at 6 p.m., Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 8:30 a.m.

No prior paddling experience is required but enjoying the water, sharing your happiness and working together as a TEAM is.

RSVP to RickardAllanJensen1@gmail.com or message 575-749-9211 or shreeivroom@aol.com or message 941-928-5724 with your contact information (name, email and phone number) and we will get back with you, just in case there is a schedule change.

Sponsorships are available.

Legal clinics will be available at Manatee County Veterans Services, 1401 3rd Ave. W, Bradenton, from 9 a.m. to noon on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month in 2026. All services will be provided on a first come, first serve basis with the last application being accepted at 11:45 a.m. Legal assistance offered at no cost to income-qualified Veterans. For additional information, please contact the MLP appointment line at 727-398-9592. Legal services are provided by Bay Area Legal Services, a nonprofit law firm. Areas of law include: family law, consumer protection, advanced directives, relative caregivers, housing, senior legal services, seal or expunge records, driver's license and other civil and legal needs.