St. George Lighthouse Association Hosts Annual Veterans Day Ceremony

The St. George Lighthouse Association, in partnership with the SGI Veterans Reveille Group and the 106th American Legion in Apalachicola, invites the community to attend the Annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Lighthouse Park on St. George Island.  This year’s ceremony will feature special guest, Thomas Everritt as the keynote speaker. The Franklin County High School Cadet Core will provide color guard services, adding a meaningful tribute to the event.

Guest Speaker, Major Thomas Everritt, U.S. Army Retired currently serves as Vice President of Project Management at Stellar Services, where he specializes in implementing large-scale project management systems for public agencies. His leadership has advanced the delivery of critical infrastructure projects nationwide, supporting organizations such as the New York School Construction Authority, Great Lakes Water Authority, San Francisco Public Works, and many of the nation’s major airports.

A native of Carrabelle, Florida, Mr. Everritt grew up in Tallahassee and Valdosta before returning to Franklin County. He began his professional career as manager of the Apalachicola IGA before entering military service. Over a distinguished 22-year career in the U.S. Army, he rose from Private to Major. His service included:

• Working as a Morse code interceptor during the Cold War
• Deploying with the 5th Special Forces Group during the First Gulf War
• Commanding artillery units in the 101st Airborne Division and 3rd Infantry Division
• Leading information operations for First U.S. Army, where he played a key role in the evacuation of more than 60,000 people from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina

Mr. Everritt remains deeply engaged in his community, serving as a lay leader at St. George Island United Methodist Church and as a council member for Scout Troop 22, where he mentors youth and fosters leadership development. The values of integrity, service, and resilience instilled during his military career continue to guide his professional endeavors and his commitment to honoring veterans and strengthening communities.

We encourage you to attend this very meaningful ceremony to honor all our veterans. Seating is limited, so please bring your own chairs. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Collins Vacation Rentals and Century 21 Collins Realty will be sponsoring lunch, dessert and drinks for all in attendance, provided by Gormley’s Gourmet Catering Company and Pollywhogs. Additionally, the lighthouse will be open to everyone, with free climbs offered to all veterans.