Every year on Memorial Day as I was growing up, my mother would take me to a cemetery an hour away to visit the grave of my father. He had died while in active service in the Air Force when I was just five months old. This impressed upon me a great respect for the day.
Not to be confused with Veterans Day – observed every November 11 – which recognizes all who have served in the Armed Forces, Memorial Day is a federal holiday for honoring and mourning the military personnel who have died in the performance of their military duties while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The holiday is observed on the last Monday of May.
While most celebrate the holiday with family gatherings and cookouts, every American should not lose sight of the significance of all those who gave their lives in service to their country and the freedoms we enjoy because of it.
The Veterans Alliance of Clearwater will host its annual Memorial Day Ceremony starting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 31, at the Florida Veterans Memorial Plaza at Crest Lake Park, 201 S. Glenwood Avenue. Residents are invited to join us in saluting veterans and honoring the courageous men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our great nation.
The free event will include music, military honor guard, an assortment of military vehicles, and two featured speakers, Mayor Frank Hibbard and LPGA Professional Jan Stephenson, who has been installed in the PGA Hall of Fame. A Kona ice truck will be on site for free treats after the ceremony.
The Veterans Alliance of Clearwater is dedicated to honoring veterans past, present and future through education, assistance and appreciation. Its mission is promoting American patriotism in the Tampa Bay area and providing citizens with opportunities to show appreciation and support for veterans and active duty personnel in the United States military.
The organization promotes patriotic community pageants throughout the Tampa Bay area, assisting and educating the public about veterans and their roles serving our country. It also engages the business community in support of veterans and active military members and their families with endeavors such as jobs, charitable support and other opportunities.
The Veterans Alliance of Clearwater is a fully accredited 501(c) (3) veterans non-profit organization. More information is available by calling (727) 641-1181 or by emailing rbsemperfi@gmail.com, Robby@RWGglobal.com or m.norton@tampabayveteransalliance.org.
Information provided by the City of Clearwater
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