DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The city of Daytona Beach held its fourth annual Freedom Festival at Manatee Island at Riverfront Esplanade. The pre-Fourth of July event honored local veterans.

What You Need To Know

  • The Veteran’s Ceremony honored John Brinkley, a World War II and Korean War Veteran

  • Brinkley was the founder and president of the Daytona Beach Veterans Museum and Education Center

  • The fourth annual Freedom Festival also featured live music, food and drink vendors, games and a cornhole tournament

The festival started with a Veterans Ceremony presented by the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 316. The ceremony honored John Brinkley, who was a World War II and Korean War Veteran. He served in both the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Air Force. Brinkley was a 30-year resident of Ormond Beach. He founded the Daytona Beach Veterans Museum and Education Center in Daytona Beach. He passed away in August of 2022 at age 93.

“We're appreciative of all that he's done,” Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry said. “I'm going to posthumously honor him. I'm going to read a proclamation today and simply say to John and his family, you are appreciated. As we say to all of our veterans, Daytona Beach loves you, Daytona Beach cherishes you.”

“John was inducted into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame in 2020, an honor that speaks volumes about his contributions to our nations,” Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood said at the event.

Brinkley’s family members said it was amazing to see their loved one honored and for his legacy to live on. 

“It was just such a privilege and made us feel so happy that even after his passing 22 months ago, that he's still impacting the community, that his legacy does live on,” Carolyn Carroll, Brinkley’s daughter, said.

Following the ceremony, the festival had local vendors, live music, games and food trucks. There was also free food for veterans. 

The event was created by Zone 4 City Commissioner Stacy Cantu. She comes from a military family and her father was a Vietnam veteran who was a Purple Heart recipient. Cantu created the event to celebrate and honor veterans.

“I think veterans should be celebrated all the time,” she said. “We would not have our freedom if it wasn't for them.”

Reagan Ryan is a 2023 — 2025 Report for America Corps Member, covering the environment and climate across Central Florida for Spectrum News 13. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues.