CARRABELLE, Florida — The Camp Gordon Johnston (CGJ) Association and WWII Museum celebrates the 24th Annual Camp Gordon Johnston Reunion Days on March 8-10. A weekend of events is planned especially to honor the country’s remaining World War II veterans, as well as recognize and salute all veterans from WWII to present. All veterans, their family and friends, and the public are invited to Carrabelle for the celebrations.

On Friday, March 8, from 1:30-4:30 p.m., Camp Gordon Johnston will be hosting the Veteran Welcome at the Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum, 1873 Hwy 98 West, Carrabelle. All WWII to present day veterans are invited to be greeted at the museum and meet other veterans and visitors. Interviews may be taped for those with stories connected to CGJ veterans’ training and wartime experiences. The public is also welcome to attend.

Continuing on Friday at 6 p.m., the Camp Gordon Johnston American Legion Post 82 located in Lanark Village invites all WWII veterans, WWII widows/widowers, non-WWII veterans (with proof of service), active duty military, and members of Post 82 to a lowountry boil in their honor. The Naked Water Band will be playing music. Each veteran or member is welcome to bring one guest. This event is not open to the general public. For more information, call (850) 697-9998.

On Saturday, March 9, kicking off at 10:45 a.m., the Annual Camp Gordon Johnston Reunion Days Parade pays tribute to all veterans of all branches of service. This year’s community parade should include CGJ Museum vehicles (WWII DUKW, Willy’s Jeep, and German Lieferwagen), more recent military vehicles, JROTC units, color guards, veteran organizations and auxiliary units, and of course, many civic and community floats, decorated golf carts, antique cars, and beauty queens of all ages. In addition, the Military Vehicle Preservation Association-First Florida Chapter will be bringing its restored vintage military vehicles to carry veterans in the parade. The parade will wind through downtown Carrabelle along Highway 98. 

Military related groups, community organizations, school groups, and individuals are encouraged to help honor all veterans, past and present, by participating in the parade. To walk or ride in the parade, please sign up by March 6 at https://www.campgordonjohnston.com/visit/special-events .Those arriving late or without pre-registering are still welcome to join the parade at the rear of the lineup.

Following the parade, CGJ Museum’s historical vehicles, the DUKW, Willy’s Jeep, and German Lieferwagen, will be on display at the Camp Gordon Johnston Museum at 1873 Highway 98 West, Carrabelle.  Everyone is invited to see these vehicles up close and personal.

The Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum will be open to all visitors on Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Guests are encouraged to come and hear the amazing stories of the region’s WWII heroes and see the remarkable collection of WWII artifacts and memorabilia. The new facility is located directly across the street from Carrabelle Beach and overflow and large vehicle parking is available there.

Saturday evening the Camp Gordon Johnston Reunion festivities continue with a special event — the Camp Gordon Johnston Reunion Dinner Dance — at the Franklin County Senior Center in Carrabelle. Enjoy a 1940s era dinner and music with actual WWII heroes as well as veterans from more recent times!. These men and women have served their country faithfully and honorably, willing to give the “last full measure.” It is a privilege and a delight to thank and honor them at this special event. Enjoy the sounds of DJ Greg and Krewe. The suggested donation is just $10 for advance tickets or $15 at the doors (BYOB). Advance ticket purchase is recommended due to limited seating and can be purchased at the Senior Center, 201 NW Ave. F, Carrabelle. Doors open at 6 p.m. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. For more information, call (850) 697-3760. 

Sunday, March 10, CGJ Museum will be hosting its first Dice Run fundraiser to support the museum. During this event, participants will drive to checkpoints, rolling dice at each stop. At the end of the day, participants with the highest and lowest combined rolls win prizes. All types of vehicles (motorcycles, cars, classic cars and trucks) are welcome to participate in this fun activity. Registration will be at the CGJ Museum from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., with the last vehicle due in to the last stop by 4:30 p.m. at the CGJ American Legion Post No. 82, Lanark Village. Ticket cost for this event is $15 for the rider/driver and $5 for each passenger and includes one dice card and food at the last stop. The day will end with prizes for high and low rollers, door prizes, good food and more. Details will be posted on the Camp Gordon Johnston Facebook page.  

Funding provided by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council, the City of Carrabelle and the Camp Gordon Johnston Association. For information or assistance, plase call (850) 697-8575 or email museum@campgordonjohnston.com.