Memorial Day Observance honors fallen heroes at Chaplain J.D. Hamel Park

Sarasota residents braved the weather for the patriotic observance on May 25.

  • By Harry Sayer
  • | 12:05 p.m. May 25, 2020
  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
  • Share

Sarasota residents turned out at Chaplain J.D. Hamel Park to honor fallen heroes during the Memorial Day Patriotic Observance on May 25.

In lieu of the traditional Memorial Day Parade on Main Street, the Patriotic Observance Committee held a gathering at the park to celebrate those who have died while serving in the armed forces.

Jan Hamel Solomon welcomed visitors and spoke about the importance of community and keeping people close to you in your daily life. It's the 60th year she has said the Memorial Day prayer. 

Guests also heard words from  CJ Bannister and former president of Sarasota County Veterans Commission, Ted Smith. The program concluded with a presentation from members of the VFW 3233 post. 

Frank D'Antonio and William Baird brought the POW-MIA flag to the observance.
Frank D'Antonio and William Baird brought the POW-MIA flag to the observance.
Sonny Bywaters and Jan Hamel Solomon welcomed speakers and singers to the podium.
Sonny Bywaters and Jan Hamel Solomon welcomed speakers and singers to the podium.
Carolyn Long and George Leavey waited for the event to start.
Carolyn Long and George Leavey waited for the event to start.
Speaker Jan Hamel Solomon brought up the value of having people close to you in your daily life.
Speaker Jan Hamel Solomon brought up the value of having people close to you in your daily life.
Jeanne and Daniel Corcoran wore patriotic attire.
Jeanne and Daniel Corcoran wore patriotic attire.
Lauren Nielsen sang the national anthem along with guests.
Lauren Nielsen sang the national anthem along with guests.
The observance had a small but passionate number of attendees.
The observance had a small but passionate number of attendees.
Frank D'Antonio paid his respects to fallen soldiers.
Frank D'Antonio paid his respects to fallen soldiers.
Jan Hamel Solomon and CJ Bannister welcomed guests to the event.
Jan Hamel Solomon and CJ Bannister welcomed guests to the event.
Former president of Sarasota County Veterans Commission Ted Smith paid tribute to the fallen heroes.
Former president of Sarasota County Veterans Commission Ted Smith paid tribute to the fallen heroes.
CJ Bannister delivered words about her time in the Air Force.
CJ Bannister delivered words about her time in the Air Force.
The program concluded with a presentation from members of the VFW 3233 post.
The program concluded with a presentation from members of the VFW 3233 post.
The program concluded with a presentation from members of the VFW 3233 post.
The program concluded with a presentation from members of the VFW 3233 post.

 

Latest News

City Auditor and Clerk Shayla Griggs and City Attorney Joe Polzak recently shepherded the City Commissioner's search for a new city manager.
  • March 26, 2026
City auditor and clerk awarded 15% base pay increase
The Ohana seawall is having repairs done in March. The seawall extends into the Gulf, cutting off public beach access as the seawall is part of the Gulf-facing home’s property.
  • March 26, 2026
Seawall repairs underway at Ohana
Gary and Keely Siebein of Siebein Acoustic present their sound study proposal to the Sarasota City Commission.
  • March 26, 2026
Firm hired to study the 'soundscape of Sarasota'
The St. Armands Circle garage didn't collect fees for several months after the 2024 hurricanes.
  • March 26, 2026
City extends paid parking hours and hikes citation fines to cover deficit

Sponsored Health Content

Sponsored Content