Coral Gables will hold its inaugural Salute to Veterans on Wednesday, Nov. 11, beneath hundreds of American flags strung above Giralda Plaza.

Dr. Harold “Hal” Silberman, a 101-year-old World War II Navy veteran and longtime Coral Gables resident, will deliver the keynote address, the Coral Gables Gazette reported. The event runs from 9 to 11 a.m. at the downtown plaza, according to the city’s event listing.

Commissioner Richard Lara sponsored the initiative. City officials hope it will become an annual tradition, according to the city’s September presentation.

The ceremony will include veteran recognition, military representatives, music and activities for families, the city said. The Coral Gables Senior High School JROTC honor guard will present the colors. Members of the American Legion and Daughters of the American Revolution will also be recognized, according to the Gazette.

A centenarian keynote speaker

Silberman turned 101 on May 1.

After World War II, he used GI Bill benefits to finish his medical studies at Johns Hopkins. He relocated to Miami in 1951 and established PrimeCare in Coral Gables and Clinical Research of South Florida, according to Coral Gables Magazine.

He and his wife, Susan, live at The Palace in Coral Gables. The magazine reports that he edits its Residents’ Gazette newsletter, welcomes new residents and arranges medical lectures.

The City Commission recognized Silberman in May as an honoree for the inaugural celebration, according to its May 19 meeting record.

Flags mark the nation’s 250th

The overhead flag display follows two Giralda Sky art installations earlier this year. The city’s announcement traces the series to the Umbrella Sky display in 2018.

This year’s displays featured textiles woven by women in Etzatlán, Mexico, from May through July, followed by floral umbrellas from August through October.

The patriotic display commemorates the nation’s semiquincentennial, or 250th anniversary. On June 2, the City Commission adopted a resolution directing the city manager to install patriotic displays along Ponce de Leon Boulevard and Giralda Plaza and prepare a budget and implementation plan.

How to attend

Giralda Plaza sits between Ponce de Leon Boulevard and Galiano Street. Attendees are asked to enter from the east end at Galiano Street, the Gazette reported. Garage 6, at 51 Aragon Ave., provides nearby parking, according to the city’s Giralda Sky page.

Upcoming veterans events:

  • Sunday, Nov. 8, 1 to 3 p.m.: Veterans Concert and Community Picnic at the Coral Gables Merrick House, 907 Coral Way. Miami’s Top Brass will perform ragtime jazz and patriotic selections. Coral Gables Scout Troops 7 and 719 will lead a flag-raising ceremony at 1 p.m. Visitors can bring a blanket and picnic lunch.
  • Wednesday, Nov. 11, 9 to 11 a.m.: Inaugural Salute to Veterans at Giralda Plaza.