All Veterans have the opportunity to successfully reintegrate into civilian life and all Military and First Responders can maintain healthy productive lives. Help us reach that goal by helping to improve the lives of Military and First Responders with supportive services, access to local resources and by building community. Lutz Buddy Up! meets every third Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at DAV 97, 7177 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota. For more information, contact Todd at [email protected] or at 863-263-2461. Visit online at lutzlivetotell.org.

Join in All Is Calm: In Concert at Patriot Plaza, a moving experience blending artistry and history to share powerful reminders of peace, compassion and humanity in the spirit of the holiday season. This concert is free to attend. Registration is required and space is limited. The event is at 3 p.m. Dec. 20, 2025, at Patriot Plaza at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota.

This one-of-a-kind, family-friendly program will feature highlights from Asolo Reparatory Theatre's acclaimed production of "All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914."

Additional community performers will honor the service and sacrifice of our Veterans and military families, creating opportunities for guests of all ages to unite through remembrance and reflection in this sacred setting.

Located in the heart of Sarasota national Cemetery, Patriot Plaza is a 2, 800 -seat ceremonial amphitheater featuring artwork illustrating the experience of America's Veterans and their loved ones across generations. The Patterson Foundation fully funded Patriot Plaza's design and construction to honor Veterans, inspire patriotism and embrace freedom.

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 2025. All services will be provided on a first come, first serve basis with the last application being accepted at 11:45 a.m. 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. 

To enter the American Legion Kirby Stewart Post 24 oratorical contest, a brief statement of intent to compete is due to committee chair Kevin Wright by midnight December 31, 2025. Mail intent letter to 3622 62nd Ave East, Bradenton FL 34203. The statement may also be sent by email to [email protected]. Include phone and e-mail contact information. One school or one adult sponsor may submit one letter of intent with information for multiple students. It is recommended that all completed forms for each student be submitted with the statement of intent rather than waiting until January. Questions? Call (502) 649-0089.   Post level contest will be either at 9 a.m. January 10th or 2 p.m.   January 11th at Kirby Stewart American Legion Post 24, Bradenton.   See attachments for contest details and forms to complete for submission at the Post 24 event. Note that the contest is in two parts. The first is an 8-10 minute oration on an aspect of the U.S. Constitution of the contestant’s choice with an emphasis on the obligations of a citizen to their nation and government. The second is one of four topics drawn at the time of the contest for a 3-5 minute discourse. Time matters! Do not go over or under the time allotted. No notes allowed while speaking so be prepared.   Post first place winner receives $300, 2nd-$200, 3rd-$100. Winners at each level district, area and then state win more money at each stage.   Contestants going on to District level will compete January 31st at a time and location to be announced (last year it was at Kirby Stewart Post 24-same as post competition. Area level contest is between February 9th and February 22nd at a time and location to be determined. (last year it was on February 9th at American Legion Post 110 Port Charlotte).   The State Department Finals contest will occur on March 14, 2025 in Tallahassee. Travel and hotel accommodations paid for and winnings range from $500 for participation to $2,500 for the 1st place winner.   The 2026 National Finals are May 15-17, 2026 in Hillsdale, Michigan with an opportunity to win up to $25,000.