On this Veteran’s Day 2025, La Lido Loca would like to recognize and thank every Veteran in our family who has served in the United States Armed Forces. Thank you for your sacrifice to protect our country.
Veterans Day is a United States holiday observed annually on November 11. It was originally called Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I. It was renamed in 1954 to include all veterans. It is a day to thank living veterans for their willingness to serve, recognizing the sacrifice they have made during peacetime or wartime.
Carnival Cruise Line, along with the Orlando Veterans Affairs Healthcare System (Orlando VA) and the Gary Sinise Foundation, welcomed nearly 100 local veterans to a special tribute reception aboard the Mardi Gras to celebrate their courage and sacrifice. Also included in the celebration were surviving spouses and children of fallen military and first responder heroes.
During the celebration, Carnival Cruise Line donated an adapted sedan to the Orlando VA. A vehicle that will help veterans determine if they require adaptive equipment and provide training so they can drive a vehicle safely.
The donation was announced by Carnival Cruise Line’s Vice President of Global IT Infrastructure, John Harshaw, who is also a U.S. Navy veteran. Accepting the donation was Orlando VA Whole Health Clinical Director Ashley Rush, who said, “The Orlando VA Health Care System Occupational Therapy program is honored to receive this generous donation from the Carnival Cruise Line team. Over 250 Veterans are anticipated to benefit from this adaptive vehicle donation in 2026 alone. This donation will include essential vehicle modifications and will empower and equip Veterans with the skills and confidence needed to regain independence after experiencing life-changing conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebrovascular Accidents, Traumatic Brain Injuries, Spinal Cord Injuries, Seizures, Dementia, amputations, cognitive impairments and many other conditions that necessitate driving safety assessments.”
Speaking at the event, Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy, stated, “As America’s cruise line, we are honored to show our appreciation for those who bravely put their lives on the line to protect our country. By providing this adapted vehicle to the Orlando VA, we’re able to further support the wellbeing of the veteran community Carnival carries more active military members and veterans than any other cruise line, and it’s our duty to show our appreciation for their service.”
At the conclusion of the event, the Gary Sinise Foundation presented a special tribute video, recognized each U.S. military branch, and gifted a commemorative coin to military members, veterans, and families of the fallen.
Carnival Cruise Line honors members of the military on every North American sailing with a Military Appreciation Day.