With Veterans Day around the corner in November, Cadets for Vets, a program of Victory Forge Military Academy of Port St. Lucie spent the day at the Stuart Memorial on East Ocean Blvd Thursday October 4 th, getting it ready for the parade. They worked all day installing new bricks into the pedestals, planting bushes around the flag pole, replacing broken flag pole lights, repairing cracks in the memorial and painting both the memorial and pedestals. Materials were generously supplied by the City of Stuart and the Veterans Council of Martin County and Special Forces Restoration and Construction.

"This is all part of the 'Cadets for Vets' program, The Cadets want to make sure that the Veterans in our community are properly taken care of and respected. A memorial honoring our veterans should not be allowed to go into disrepair, we are not only glad to be of assistance, but proud to be able to make this difference in our community." Col. Michael Roberts, Chairman of the Board at Victory Forge Military Academy and president of Special Forces Restoration and Construction.

Communities all around the nation are experiencing dramatic budget cuts, are having a hard time trying to find the resources to keep these veteran memorials maintained and community events like the annual Veterans Day from disappearing. However it appears that the City of Stuart is committed to keeping all of its citizens including veterans in the forefront. "The Veterans Day parade is a part of community and it will continue to be a tradition in the city of Stuart. It is events like the Veterans Day Parade that make a town a community. The Stuart community is about our people and we should never forget to honor our Veterans, especially on Veterans Day." stated Mayor Mary Hutchinson, City of Stuart.

" Cadets for Vets" is a community service outreach program of Victory Forge Military Academy, a not for profit organization based in Port St. Lucie FL 'Cadets for Vets' works closely with local veteran associations, service organizations and councils to help area Veterans who may have a challenge getting something done. From clearing debris after a storm to mowing the lawn or handing out aid, the Cadets at Victory Forge are dedicated to giving back to the men and women who have served our nation.

If you know of a Veteran or a family of an active duty serviceman/woman who is currently deployed, please contact Col. Weierman at Victory Forge Military Academy for consideration. Col. Weierman may be reached at 772-879-7181, alweierman@aol.com or Inez Frid at 772-370-4571, inezfrid@bellsouth.net.