Members of American Legion Post 145 in Islamorada attend the Veterans Day ceremony in Key Largo. From left, chaplain Tim Link, John Izanec and Mike Ehlers.
Veterans, dignitaries and Upper Keys community members convened for a Veterans Day ceremony at the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo the morning of Nov. 11. Emceed by U.S. Marine veteran and Purple Heart recipient John Donnelly, the ceremony saw veterans taking to the microphone to share stories and explain what the day means to them. Florida Keys Community Concert Band played patriotic tunes. The U.S. Coast Guard Station Islamorada presented the colors to kick off the ceremony, which was hosted by Monroe County Veterans Affairs and Key Largo VFW Post 10211. Awards were presented to Coast Guard Station Islamorada for presenting the colors throughout the years and Monroe County Mayor Holly Raschein for “conspicuously devoting efforts to all veterans.” Originally marking the end of fighting in World War I, the day – Nov. 11 – became known as Veterans Day in 1954, its focus changing to honoring American veterans of all wars.
Drake Raschein, left, shows off a coin he received from Donnelly for a speech he delivered at last year’s Veterans Day ceremony.Key Largo Fire Department’s lieutenant Jaime Arana takes to the microphone to acknowledge his 12 years of service in the U.S. Marines. Emcee John Donnelly, U.S. Marine veteran and Purple Heart recipient, presents awards to the U.S. Coast Guard Islamorada Station chief Salvador Ruiz and Monroe County Holly Raschein. Pictured far right is Priscilla Johnson, Army veteran. The U.S. Coast Guard Color Guard presents the colors to begin the Veterans Day ceremony. From left, Mark Burke, U.S. Marine veteran, shakes hands with Jim Schmeiser, American Legion Post 333 commander.From left, Kim Dipre, American Legion Post 145 member, shakes hands with Marianne Finizio, of Community Health of South Florida Inc.
