More than 100 veterans and family members filled Delany's Public House in Lakewood Ranch on Nov. 7 for a luncheon replacing the canceled Tribute to Heroes Parade.

Your Observer reported on the two-day tribute. The parade was scrapped when organizers could not attract enough entries. Schroeder-Manatee Ranch stepped in, adding a "Tribute to Heroes" theme to its Nov. 6 Music on Main concert and hosting the luncheon at Delany's the next day. Veteran Air and Delany's sponsored the events.

U.S. Army Col. Rick Davis had been selected as the 2026 parade grand marshal. He was honored at both gatherings instead.

The Nov. 6 ceremony on Main Street at Lakewood Ranch featured a color guard with members of VFW Braden River Post 12055 and the Del Webb Association of Veterans and Military Supporters. Retired Air Force Master Sgt. Duke Farquharson sang the National Anthem.

At the Nov. 7 luncheon, the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble played patriotic songs as veterans and their families took their seats. East County Observer Publisher Lori Ruth introduced Davis. Joel Brown, men's pastor at Grace Community Church and a veteran, said a prayer.

Kevin O'Hanlon, co-owner of Delany's Public House, said hosting the luncheon was an easy call. He told Your Observer there was "a tremendous sense of pride" that veterans chose to attend.

Davis, 80, lives at The Pointe at Lakewood Ranch. He served 27 years in the U.S. Army, from 1966 to 1993, including a year in Vietnam, Your Observer reported in a Nov. 3 profile. He and his wife, Lynette Davis, were married in 1969 just before he was sent to Vietnam.

The room was full. Davis looked around at the crowd and said, "This is something," according to Your Observer.

The Tribute to Heroes Parade began in 2009 and moved from Memorial Day weekend to November in 2025. Weather cancellations and COVID-19 had already clouded the parade's future before this year's lack of entries ended it, Your Observer reported in October.

Manatee County's Veterans Day events continue Wednesday, Nov. 11. The Manatee County Veterans Council and the City of Palmetto are cohosting a parade starting at 10:15 a.m. at the Manatee County fairgrounds. A memorial service follows at 11 a.m. at Sutton Park.