Residents commemorated Memorial Day early with a ceremony at Sarasota National Cemetery.
By
Amanda Morales
| 12:30 p.m. May 28, 2016
Sarasota
Neighbors
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Thousands of residents seated and standing packed Patriot Plaza at Sarasota National Cemetery Saturday, May 28.
The 2016 Memorial Day ceremony included featured speakers Kris Hager, a gold star father, John Rosentrater, Director of Sarasota National Cemetery, retired Air Force Master Sgt. Barbara Vaughn and retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Gerald McIlmoyle.
“I wish you could see from my vantage point the sea of red, white and blue,” Vaughn said. “Beyond that rows of monuments to sacred souls who gave all they could give.”
Vietnam veteran George Laessig pays his respects to the men and women buried at Sarasota National Cemetery.
Kevin Kenney of the America Legion Post 159 performs the national anthem.
Retired Navy Master Chief Tom Martorana recited the Pledge of Allegiance giving an in-depth definition for each line.
Audience members stand for the "Star-Spangled Banner."
Sarasota Military Academy cadets Lauren Medreda and Allyson Scott perform "God Bless America."
Sarasota County Commissioner Carolyn Mason reads an official proclamation recognizing the 150th anniversary of Memorial Day.
Vietnam veteran George Laessig pays his respects to the men and women buried at Sarasota National Cemetery.
Flags were placed on every gravesite to commemorate Memorial Day.
Master of Ceremonies Kris Hager, a gold star father, who lost his son Staff Sgt. Joshua Hager in 2007 while deployed in Iraq.
Red, white and blue bouquets adorn the grave sites at Sarasota National Cemetery.
Vietnam War veteran Andy Hooker takes in the presentation for Memorial Day at Patriot Plaza.
The Patriot Plaza at Sarasota National Cemetery was packed with residents paying their respects during the Memorial Day Ceremony Saturday, May 28.
