Florida Keys communities took a moment to remember the ultimate sacrifice made by service men and women on Memorial Day.
The Key West chapter of the Navy League held its annual Memorial Day remembrance ceremony at the USS Maine Memorial in the city cemetery on Monday morning. Captain Colin Thompson, commander of Naval Air Station Key West, spoke at the cemetery, along with veteran Abe Conn of the Navy League.
Many of the attendees, including bugle player Jim Doepke, then moved from the cemetery to the Key West Veterans Memorial Garden at Bayview Park, where Gold Star widow Sue Burke spoke of the ultimate sacrifice made by her late husband Lt. Cdr. Mark Eller and so many others who gave their lives in service to the ideals of freedom and democracy.
In the Upper Keys, ceremonies at the Hurricane Monument in Islamorada and at the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo remembered the service men and women who fought for America’s freedom but never returned home.
Hosted by the Matecumbe Historical Trust, a morning Memorial Day service at the Hurricane Monument in Islamorada included the presentation of the colors by Islamorada Fire Rescue and prayers by Tony Hammon. Army veteran Chris Hoguet delivered a speech on the Missing Man Table, a solemn military tradition to honor fallen, missing or imprisoned U.S. service members. Guest speaker state Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez reflected on those who gave everything for the country. Patriotic tunes were played throughout by Vincent Jiovenetta and wreaths were laid in front of the monument.
A couple hours later, the Key Largo community convened for a Memorial Day service at the Murray Nelson Government Center. Co-hosted by Monroe County Social Services and VFW Post 10211, the ceremony began with opening remarks from Mark Birk, VFW Post 10211 quartermaster.
Army veteran and retired sheriff’s colonel Lou Caputo brought the American flag to the middle of stage where he discussed the importance of Memorial Day. He also gave kudos to attendees who took time to remember those who sacrificed everything.
The Florida Keys Community Concert Band provided patriotic tunes throughout the event. Fellow band member and veteran Pete Fines played taps, and Key Largo Fire Rescue’s Bill Lombardo played the bagpipes.
