Last modified Wed., December 05, 2007 - 04:53 PM
Originally created Thursday, December 6, 2007

Military families enjoy Pal Day in oldest city

By Kaylee LaRocque, Editor

From left, MACS(SW) Gary Burden of the NS Mayport Security Department, his wife, ETC(SW/AW) Ayanna Burden of Navy Computer and Telecommunication Station Jax and their sons, Jordan and Fable check out some of the old cannons at Castillo de San Marcos during Pal Day in St. Augustine Saturday. Photos by Kaylee LaRocque

It was a beautiful, sunny day as hundreds of military members and their families spent Saturday enjoying the city of St. Augustine's numerous attractions at no cost during this year's Pal Day. For the past 50 years, the USO Council of St. Augustine and many of the city's tourist attractions have hosted this special day set aside each December specifically for First Coast military members and their families to enjoy the city's attractions free of charge. Many came proudly wearing their military uniforms or command ball caps to spend a few hours visiting the sights and to watch the annual Christmas parade.

"I think this is definitely something to take advantage of. We just moved here and found out about this in the base newspaper. We're just getting started but plan to see as much as we can today," said Cmdr. Antony Joseph of Branch Health Clinic Jax, who was with his wife, Lisa and sons Olliver and Sebastien.

The first Pal Day was held in 1957 during the Korean War Era when the USO Council in St. Augustine wanted to recognize military members and their families and provide them with something a little special. The event proved so successful, that it has continued since then every first Saturday in December. By opening their doors for free, the city's businesses get a chance to show their appreciation to the service members who serve our country and defend our freedom.

From left, Ryan Harcourt, Kevin Hause, AM1(AW) Robert Hause of VS-22, Patricia Hause and Kyle Harcourt decide what other attractions to visit after touring Ripley's Believe It or Not during the USO Pal Day in St. Augustine.

Military families enjoyed favorite attractions such as Ripley's Believe It or Not, 3D World, The Fountain of Youth, Alligator Farm, trolley rides, Potter's Wax Museum, Castillo de San Marcos, and numerous other attractions.

Nearly 700 service personnel and their families enjoyed a free lunch at the Elks Lodge No. 829 in St. Augustine.

"I think this is a really good thing because you don't really get the chance to see all this stuff on a regular basis. Today is a day off and we are having a family day. It's little or no out of pocket which helps us out a lot because with a family of five, it's kind of hard to get out and do things like this," said AM1(AW) Robert Hause of VS-22.

"We've visited Ripley's and plan to see the Wax Museum, the fort and the oldest house and jail."

Sebastien Joseph, son of Cmdr. Antony Joseph of the Branch Health Clinic Jax, is put in jail by Deputy Mac at the Old Jail in St. Augustine.

"This is really wonderful. It shows appreciation to the military and it gives a chance to learn about some of the history of this nation that we are fighting so strong to protect," added ETC(SW/AW) Ayanna Burden of Navy Computer and Telecommunications Station Jax.

"We came down to enjoy the attractions here and get out and see some things. It's our first time here for Pal Day. We started out visiting the graveyard, went to Ripley's and now we are seeing the old fort."

Although the city was bustling with tourists and locals who lined the streets for the parade and to experience the city's holiday festivities, Pal Day gave military members and their families a nice way to spend some quality time together and enjoy the sights of the nation's oldest city.

Mark your calendar for next year's event, which will take place on Dec. 6, 2008.

Cmdr. Antony Joseph of Branch Health Clinic Jax studies some historical photos at Castillo de San Marcos while touring the old fort with his family.