Beaches Watch Monthly Meeting

Beaches Watch to Honor Veterans and Present 2026 Give Back Donation to Beaches Honor Guard

In recognition of Veterans Day on November 11, Beaches Watch will honor local veterans and present its 2026 Give Back Donation to the Beaches Honor Guard at its Wednesday, November 4 meeting at 7:00 p.m. at the Neptune Beach Senior Center, 2004 Forest Ave, Neptune Beach, FL. The meeting will be an opportunity for the community to come together to recognize and express appreciation for the men and women who have served our country.

The annual $500 Give Back Donation recognizes a nonprofit organization that enriches the lives of Beaches residents and makes a positive impact in our community. This year’s recipient, the Beaches Honor Guard, has spent more than four decades honoring veterans and preserving military traditions.

Founded in 1981 by Phillip Ness and members of VFW Post 3270, the Beaches Honor Guard lives by its motto, “Dedicated to the Last Roll Call.” The all-volunteer organization performs approximately 65–80 services annually throughout the Jacksonville Beaches and surrounding communities, including military funerals, Veterans Day ceremonies, Fallen Heroes memorials, and Wreaths Across America. The group also provides flag etiquette education to local elementary schools and civic organizations. This year, the Beaches Honor Guard also had the honor of performing at a Jacksonville Jaguars game, bringing its patriotic traditions to a wider audience.

Led for many years by bugler John Poe, the Beaches Honor Guard continues its important mission with approximately 10 dedicated members and is actively seeking new volunteers to carry on its traditions of service and remembrance. Beaches Honor Guard Executive Director Tom Williams will accept the 2026 Give Back Donation and provide a presentation about the organization’s history, mission, and the important services it provides to veterans, their families, and the Beaches community.

Also attending the November 4 meeting will be a representative from Here Tomorrow, the 2025 Give Back Donation recipient, who will provide an update on how last year’s donation was used to support the organization’s important work in suicide prevention and mental health support in our community.

“With Veterans Day approaching, this is a wonderful opportunity to honor those who have served our country and recognize the dedicated volunteers of the Beaches Honor Guard who ensure our veterans receive the respect and recognition they deserve,” said Beaches Watch President Maria Mark. “We invite our community to join us in expressing our gratitude to our veterans and supporting the important work of the Beaches Honor Guard.”

All veterans are especially encouraged to attend and be recognized for their service. The meeting is free and open to the public.

Previous Give Back Donation recipients include Dial-A-Ride, Beaches Council for the Disabled, Ish Brandt Beautification Committee, Lend An Ear Outreach Ministries, Beaches Community Kitchen, Beaches Fine Arts Series, Deck the Chairs, American Red Cross Volunteer Lifesaving Corps, Fletcher High School Coastal Marine Science Service Club, BEAM Grace Garden, Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol, Beaches Go Green, Our Father’s Housewares, Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry (BEAM), Beaches Council on Aging, Beaches Habitat for Humanity, and Here Tomorrow.