- April 25, 2024
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Palm Coast Fire Department Honor Guard Commander Patrick J. Juliano and Palm Coast Mayor Milissa Holland walk with World War II veteran Frank Fonte after placing the wreath on the heroes memorial. Photo by Paige Wilson
The Palm Coast Fire Department Honor Guard retire the colors. Photo by Paige Wilson
U.S. Army veteran George F. O'Dell holds a rose before placing it at the heroes memorial at the park. Photo by Paige Wilson
Chaplain Sandy Audbrooks from the American Legion Post 115 delivers the invocation. Photo by Paige Wilson
Joe Pepin, American Legion Post 115, performs taps. Photo by Paige Wilson
"Memorial Day should always be the holiday of our souls," Palm Coast Mayor Milissa Holland said. Photo by Paige Wilson
The Marine Corps League Detachment 876. Photo by Paige Wilson
World War II veteran Frank M. Fonte watches the ceremony. Photo by Paige Wilson
The Coastal Florida Police and Fire Pipes and Drums perform to begin the ceremony. Photo by Paige Wilson
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. David Lydon, whose son just was stationed in Iraq a week ago, shares the history of Memorial Day. Photo by Paige Wilson
Guest speaker Lt. Col. David Lydon (left) sits next to Phyllis Downes and her father WWII veteran Frank M. Fonte. Photo by Paige Wilson
Former Ormond Beach Mayor Fred Costello bows his head during Palm Coast Mayor Milissa Holland's speech. Photo by Paige Wilson
Edward Beier, American Legion Post 115, speaks to the crowd. Photo by Paige Wilson
Palm Coast Fire Department Honor Guard Commander Patrick J. Juliano, World War II veteran Frank Fonte and Palm Coast Mayor Milissa Holland place the wreath on the heroes memorial. Photo by Paige Wilson
U.S. Representative for Florida's sixth congressional district Ron DeSantis thanks veterans for their service. Photo by Paige Wilson
Jens Oliva directs the Community Chorus of Palm Coast. Photo by Paige Wilson
A veteran salutes the memorial after placing a rose at its base. Photo by Paige Wilson
During the city of Palm Coast's annual Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 28, locals gathered to remember and honor those who died while serving in the U.S. armed forces.
Mayor Milissa Holland served as the master of ceremonies to recognize speakers, including Chaplain Sandy Ausbrooks, American Legion Post 115; U.S. Representative for Florida's sixth congressional district Ron DeSantis; Edward Beier, American Legion Post 115; and U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. David P. Lydon.
"There are empty chairs at our dinner tables, empty beds in our bedrooms and empty places in our hearts," Holland said. "This morning, we are gathered in Heroes Park to honor those who have died while serving the United States of America. These brave men and women gave their lives with honor and dignity. They died so you and I can celebrate our freedoms."
The Marine Corps League Detachment 876 performed a three volley salute, Joe Pepin of the American Legion Post 115 played taps and the Community Chorus of Palm Coast sang "Let Freedom Ring" and "God Bless America."
During Beier's speech, a 95-year-old World War II veteran briefly stood and disrupted the ceremony to express these statements:
"I’m ashamed of what I see here. This is a political gathering — nothing more," he said. "I’m 95 years old, and I am ashamed of what I see. It’s politics. Why are they here? For votes. Aren’t you ashamed of yourselves? ... God help you ... They don’t know what it is to see the crosses and the bodies … They’re sitting here for votes."
He asked to leave and was helped away from the ceremony space. While he left, the crowd clapped to honor him, as a veteran.
During Lt. Col. Lydon's speech later in the ceremony, he said that to truly honor the fallen soldiers, one must respect differences of opinion "like our World War II veteran here this morning."
To watch the city of Palm Coast's live video, visit: https://bit.ly/2sl37Yz
