The superb coverage provided by the Upper Keys Weekly for our Memorial Day Ceremony ensured the near-capacity crowd at the auditorium inside the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo.
The Keys Community Concert Band performed before the start of the ceremony. The United States Coast Guard Honor Guard initiated the proceedings, followed by the Scouts of Troop 914, who led the Pledge of Allegiance, Scout Oath and Scout Law.
Coast Guard Station Islamorada Commanding Officer Matthew James; Monroe County Capt. Spenser Bryan and his deputies; firefighters, rescue workers, EMS/EMT first responders; American Legion Post 145 and their Blood Drive Bus; along with Key Largo Fire Chief Don Bock; Mayor Holly Raschein; and school board chairwoman Sue Woltanski were among the attendees.
Purple Heart Special Recognition awards were given to Ron Saunders, Veteran Affairs county director Cathy Crane, Sheriff Rick Ramsay, State Attorney Dennis Ward and band director/teacher Susan Bazin.
After a 10-year battle in the Florida House of Representatives, Saunders was the only legislator finally able to secure the passage of our Purple Heart License Plate Bill. The fees are used to support veteran domiciliary and nursing home care facilities for veterans at no taxpayer expense.
Crane, Ramsay and Ward were recognized for organizing and maintaining the safe and orderly management of our “Therapeutic Wounded Warrior Bicycle Ride” for the last 20 years. Bazin was also recognized for the coordination, along with the community band, which has played during many Memorial Day services.
Eagle Scout and author Zachary Woltanski delivered a speech on the meaning of Memorial Day, which was met with a standing ovation.
A series of videos, paying tribute to the sacrifices of veterans killed in action, was played for the audience. The playing of taps concluded the ceremony. Thank you all so very, very much for making this a dignified and illustrious event.— John Donnelly, Key Largo
