By Jim McCarthy and Jill Miranda Baker
Two ceremonies in the Upper Keys honored the community’s veterans for their service and sacrifice to the nation.
Islamorada Fire Rescue held its annual National Veterans Day Observance to honor the men and women who have served in the U.S. armed forces. During the Nov. 11 ceremony at Fire Station 20, speakers included Islamorada Fire Chief Terry Abel; Tom Booth, Army veteran and firefighter/EMT; and Matt Turk, Marine veteran, before about 25 community members.
“Veterans Day is a day to honor and show appreciation for all who served in the U.S. military in wartime or peacetime,” said Abel in opening remarks as he welcomed the veterans, first responders, elected officials and community in attendance. Pastor Tony Hammon gave the opening prayer and Booth led the group in the pledge of allegiance.
“It is an honor to stand before you on this Veterans Day — a day that holds deep meaning for me and for so many of my brothers and sisters who have worn the uniform,” Booth said. He served from 1975 to 1983. “In the military, I learned what service, sacrifice and teamwork truly meant, and when joining the fire services, I realize those same values live here too.”
After honoring his fellow veterans, Booth acknowledged the families of veterans and first responders with their sacrifices and inspiration to others.
“As the son of a World War II veteran,” said Islamorada Vice Mayor Don Horton, “this day holds deep and personal meaning to me. I remember with gratitude and thank veterans and first responders for their service.”
Turk, who served for eight years, spoke about how Scripture guided him during his time serving. “As a Marine, I learned that courage isn’t just found in combat – it’s found in compassion. It’s in the medic who runs toward danger, the firefighter who faces the flames, the police officers who protect the vulnerable, and the veteran who carries on with quiet strength. Each act of service reflects the heart of Christ himself, who came not to be served, but to serve.”
The ceremony closed with a prayer by Hammon.
A Nov. 11 ceremony in Key Largo saw veterans from the various military branches rise to applause as the Keys Community Concert Band played the “Armed Forces Medley.” Hosted by Monroe County Veterans Affairs and VFW Post 10211, the ceremony included a presentation of colors by Boy Scouts Troop 914 and invocation by VFW Post 10211 chaplain Tim Link.
Mira Jones, Coral Shores student and Civil Air Patrol cadet senior master sergeant, shared her gratitude for veterans in attendance for their dedication to protecting the country. She also thanked the families of those who served or are currently serving across the globe.
“As said by Abraham Lincoln, ‘Honor to the soldier and sailor everywhere who bravely bears his country’s cause. Honor also to the citizen who cares for his brother in the field and serves as he best can the same cause,’” she remarked.
Master of ceremonies and retired Marine Mark Birk said the nation’s freedoms were paid for by generations of Americans who stood watch in times of peace and fought in times of war.
“These men and women faced unimaginable challenges, whether on foreign soil or the home front, all in service to our freedoms that we hold dear,” he said.
