Local veterans from various military branches rose from their seats as the Florida Keys Community Concert Band played the Armed Forces Medley during a Nov. 11 Veterans Day ceremony at Key Largo’s Murray Nelson Government Center. They were subsequently applauded by their loved ones and other residents for their service as they raised their hand in salute. The ceremony, organized by Monroe County Veterans Affairs and VFW Post 10211, was emceed by John Donnelly, a U.S. Marine veteran who served in the Vietnam War and received a Purple Heart. Keynote speaker Florida Lt. Gov Jeanette Nuñez said she’s been visiting veterans across the state to see how the administration can best serve their needs as part of her “LG on Mission.” Key Largo School student Drake Raschein took to the podium and acknowledged the sacrifices made by servicemen and -women. Raschein said he aspires to be in the military one day.
