Longboat Key celebrates its veterans

“It was absolutely amazing out there. It’s a great honor to thank our veterans no matter when or where they served. They’ve done so much for us.” — Parade co-chairman Jack Rozance

More than 130 veterans who live, work or worship on Longboat Key celebrated Veterans Day on Nov. 11 with a quarter-mile parade on Bay Isles Road.

The parade, hosted by the Rotary Club of Longboat Key, featured veterans from every branch and era of service and was followed by an honor ceremony at Temple Beth Israel.

This year’s parade grand marshals were Evelyn Fresch, Francey O’Brien and Shirley Beachum, who met at last year’s parade and have since remained close.

“It’s really fun to feel so special,” Fresch said. “I never knew what it was like to be a celebrity. It’s been great.”