Every November 11, veterans, residents, and visitors gather for the annual Lakewood Veterans Day Ceremony held at Lakewood Park. The event features remarks by the Mayor, Veterans Organization leaders, a keynote speaker, and musical performances by the Lakewood High School Marching Band.
The ceremony begins at 11:00 AM and is held at the Veterans Memorial in Lakewood Park (or in the Women’s Pavilion during inclement weather).
The City of Lakewood’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony will take place Wednesday, November 11, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial in Lakewood Park, 14532 Lake Avenue. Lakewood’s annual Veterans Day observance is a tribute to the men and women who have served our country in the armed forces.
The ceremony will begin with the National Anthem by performed by the Wild Pitch Quartet followed by an Invocation given by David Stack of CWV Post 579 and opening remarks by Mayor Meghan F. George.
This year’s keynote speaker is Retired Colonel Bart E. Stovicek. Colonel Stovicek is a graduate of the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida where he received a degree in computer information systems and was commissioned in the Regular Army in May of 1983. Following completion of the Military Intelligence Officer’s Basic Course and Ranger School, he was assigned to the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Fulda, Federal Republic of Germany, where he served as a Ground Surveillance Radar, Electronic Warfare, and Maintenance Platoon Leader, as well as Company Executive Officer in the 511th MI Co. (CEWI) until May of 1987.
After completing his overseas duty, Colonel Stovicek left active duty, returned to his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, and joined the Army Reserve. He was called to active-duty four times during his tenure in the Army Reserve. His deployments included Port au Prince, Haiti in support of Operation Uphold Democracy; Pristina, Kosovo in support of Operation Joint Guardian; Baghdad, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and finally as a member of the Joint Staff, J3/PSYOP Division in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Following his assignment to the Joint Staff, Colonel Stovicek attended the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, PA, where he earned his master’s degree in strategic studies in June 2007.
Colonel Stovicek retired in May of 2013. His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Ranger Tab, and Basic Parachutist Badge.
Other highlights of this year’s Veterans Day program include performances by the Lakewood High School Band and a 21-gun salute by the Joint Veterans Honor Guard. Following the ceremony, coffee and doughnuts will be offered in the Woman’s Club Pavilion at Lakewood Park.
