Memorial Day parade honors fallen soldiers

EAST COUNTY — Although he keeps them tucked away in an envelope in a drawer, Benjamin “Benjie” Brinkofski’s old photos of himself and his friends in the ‘60s in Vietnam capture images that haven’t faded from his memory.

Nor have the difficult times he faced during his two years of active duty.

He was a sergeant in the U.S. Army during the height of the Vietnam War. Brinkofski didn’t read about the hundreds of American and Vietnamese troops dying each week. He saw his friends being killed all around him.

As he prepares for a Memorial Day event Sunday, he’ll stand outside for hours, regardless of the temperature, to honor those friends.

“It’s important to recognize the people who fell serving the country,” Brinkofski said. “They are the heroes.”

Brinkofski, of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12055, will participate in the Memorial Day “Tribute to Heroes” Parade, from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday, May 25, on Lakewood Ranch Main Street, alongside members of each branch of the military.

Representatives of more than 40 businesses and nonprofit organizations will march in the parade, in addition to students and veterans.

Performances by the Braden River High School marching band and the Braden River Pipers will entertain patrons as they watch the parade from the sidewalk. The parade also will feature readings from guests speakers, and it will conclude with its traditional dove release ceremony.

John Breiner, owner of Wolves Head Pizza and Wings (and former owner of Ed’s Tavern on Lakewood Ranch Main Street), will serve as the parade’s grand marshal. He co-founded the parade six years ago with Lakewood Ranch resident Gene Sweeney.

Proceeds from the event benefit Manasota Operation Troop Support, also known as MOTS.

More than 4,000 community members attended the event last year, and organizers expect even more to turn out for the this year’s event, Community Activities Corp. Director and event co-organizer Lori Basilone said. Overflow parking is available at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center.

“It’s grown so much since we first started,” Breiner said. “I get goose pimples just thinking about all the people who crowd Main Street to see the parade. The bottom line is remembering what the day is all about.”

The committee may look for a larger venue to host the parade next year, organizers said.

IF YOU GO
Memorial Day Tribute to Heroes Parade
When: 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday May 25
Where: Lakewood Ranch Main Street
Cost: Free
Schedule: Line up for the parade and the children’s decorated bike contest begins at 5 p.m. Parade starts at 6 p.m.
details: Children can compete for the best-decorated bicycle and particpate in the parade. Awards will be given for most original, cutest and most patriotic. Cost for the contest is $10. Aside from the parade, the event will also feature face painting, music and refreshments.
Info: lwrcac.com or call 757-1530.

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at [email protected].