Memorial Day Tribute to Fallen Troops honors local heroes

The ceremony was held May 26 at the Sarasota National Cemetery.

  • By Kayleigh Omang
  • | 5:51 p.m. May 26, 2018
  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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Through the drizzles of rain, volunteers and family members of fallen loved ones decorated the cemetery with flags, rose petals and flower bouquets. 

The annual Memorial Day Tribute to Fallen Troops was held May 26 at the Sarasota National Cemetery. 

A musical prelude by Booker High School students began the ceremony, followed by a welcome from the Sarasota National Cemetery Advisory Committee Chairwoman, Renee Gilmore. 

Booker High School students continued with special music throughout the program. 

This year's keynote address was given by Purple Heart Recipient, David Taylor. He spoke of his time in the Vietnam war and the loss of one of his best friends. 

"They were ordinary people who responded in extraordinary ways," Taylor said of all the fallen soldiers. 

Kim Hayes, who accepted the wreath for attending Gold Star Families, also gave a heartfelt speech about losing her son.

"For us they gave all," Taylor said. "We will never forget."

Volunteers decorated the cemetery with flags.
Volunteers decorated the cemetery with flags.
Memorial Day honors the soldiers who have fallen.
Memorial Day honors the soldiers who have fallen.
Veterans watch the ceremony.
Veterans watch the ceremony.
The ceremony was held at the Sarasota National Cemetery.
The ceremony was held at the Sarasota National Cemetery.
Maryanne Miller pays tribute to her husband.
Maryanne Miller pays tribute to her husband.
Rose petals were laid out amongst the stones.
Rose petals were laid out amongst the stones.
The rain drizzled during the ceremony.
The rain drizzled during the ceremony.
Marjorie and Jim Dellecker next to Jim's dad's stone.
Marjorie and Jim Dellecker next to Jim's dad's stone.
Loved ones decorated with flowers.
Loved ones decorated with flowers.
A couple walks out of the cemetery after visiting their loved one's stone.
A couple walks out of the cemetery after visiting their loved one's stone.
Boots were left at a stone.
Boots were left at a stone.
Paula Decker places coins on her husband's stone.
Paula Decker places coins on her husband's stone.
Booker High School students sang musical pieces throughout the ceremony.
Booker High School students sang musical pieces throughout the ceremony.
Attendees stayed dry under the glass panelling.
Attendees stayed dry under the glass panelling.
Sarasota National Cemetery Advisory Committee Chairwoman, Renee Gilmore addresses the audience.
Sarasota National Cemetery Advisory Committee Chairwoman, Renee Gilmore addresses the audience.
Keynote speaker David Taylor is a photographer and veteran.
Keynote speaker David Taylor is a photographer and veteran.
Kim Hayes accepts the wreath.
Kim Hayes accepts the wreath.
Kim Hayes reads a letter her late son sent her while he was deployed.
Kim Hayes reads a letter her late son sent her while he was deployed.
Attendees clap for the speaker.
Attendees clap for the speaker.
Kim Hayes gets a hug from a loved one after making her heartfelt speech.
Kim Hayes gets a hug from a loved one after making her heartfelt speech.
A row of Jeeps were decorated patriotically.
A row of Jeeps were decorated patriotically.

 

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