Memorial Day parade celebrates those who gave all

By Ian Swaby
| 5:20 p.m. May 29, 2023

David Bonci and Commander Ron Evans of Veterans of Foreign Wars Sunshine Post 3233 greet the crowds lining Main Street on May 29, 2023, during the Memorial Day parade.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Members of the community assembled in honor of those who gave their lives defending the country during the city of Sarasota’s annual Memorial Day parade on May 29.

The parade, hosted in conjunction with the Sarasota Patriotic Observance Committee, centered on the theme “All Gave Some, Some Gave All” and included marchers along with trucks, bicycles and motorcycles.

Among the many organizations involved were the Veterans of Foreign Wars Sunshine Post 3233, Sarasota Military Academy, Sarasota Police Department and Sarasota County Fire Department.

“This is a really fine tribute,” said Chaplain Herbert Jordan, who served in the National Guard in Sarasota. “I know a lot of communities hold Memorial Day celebrations, but Sarasota has gone all out and done a whole lot for this.”

The parade was followed by a ceremony at J.D. Hamel Park, where the keynote speaker was Richard Petrucci, a former Navy pilot of 25 years. Petrucci spoke about the importance of honoring fallen or missing service members.

“To be killed in wars is not the worst thing that can happen. To be lost is not the worst thing. To be forgotten, is the worst thing,” he said.

Mayor Kyle Battie also spoke at the ceremony.

“Our flag does not move by the wind, but by the breath, the last breath, of those that have fallen to protect it,” he said. “We’re here today not only to mourn them, but to praise them — praise them for their sacrifice, and may we live in it each and every day in honor of them and the sacrifice in which they have given.”

Megan Ronan sang the national anthem and “God Bless America,” while Sarasota Military Academy graduate Micah Adams played bagpipes in the parade and during the ceremony.

6-year-old Lilyana Tidwell waves a pair of flags.

A parade by local jeep clubs stretches across Main Street.

Members of the Sarasota Police Department escort the parade.

9-year-old Alejandro Bringas, 8-year-old Anabela Bringas, Jan Hamel Solomon of Sailing Home Sarasota, and 8-year-old Radley Pappo march with Hope Fleet in order to thank hurricane heroes.

2-year-old Jackson Pietron, his father Officer Michael Pietron, and his 5-year-old sister Ellie Pietron await the arrival of the parade.

Barbara Harvey and George Harvey, a Korean War veteran who was a member of the Seabees (United States Naval Construction Battalions), watch the parade.

3-year-old Oliver and Noah Sebastianelli and their mother Allie Sebastianelli welcome the parade vehicles.

Members of the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office lead the parade.

Sarasota Military Academy graduate Micah Adams played bagpipes at the parade and ceremony.

Steve Fields, president of Sons of the American Revolution for the State of Florida, leads the members of the organization.

Tim Curtin waves flags at a group of motorcyclists.

Pete Beisler of Veterans of Foreign Wars Sunshine Post 3233, and his granddaughters, 5-year-old Harlee Carll and 11-year-old Kerriana Carll, greet the crowds lining the streets.

Members of the American Legion Unit of Sarasota Bay Post. No. 30 make their way down Main Street during the Memorial Day parade on May 29, 2023.

Parade attendees wave flags at the passing vehicles.

Brett Waton and 2-year-old Roman Watson watch the parade.

Jan Hamel Solomon of Sailing Home Sarasota leads the children at the ceremony in an invitation to the public, in English and Spanish.

Jan Hamel Solomon to 11-year-old Martin Alvarez who stands alongside Fernando Alvarez, 6-year-old Bianca Alvarez, 9-year-old Maria Victoria Alvarez, and Astrid Lambis. The key was given to her father, Chaplain J.D. Hamel, when J.D. Hamel Park, where the ceremony took place, was dedicated in his name.

Vietnam veteran Col. James Weisensee makes his way down Main Street.

Mayor Kyle Battie marches in the parade.

Colleen Page marches with Daughters of the American Revolution.

Motorcycle riders head down Main Street towards J.D. Hamel Park.

Members of the Sarasota Military Academy Army JROTC Eagle Regiment march in the parade.

Terry and Ruth Baggett watch the parade.

Members of Vietnam Brotherhood, riding on a trolley, greet the crowd.

Keynote speaker Richard Petrucci, a former Navy pilot, instroduces himself alongside Sonny Bywaters of American Legion Post 30.

Aaron and Linda Burkett applaud during the ceremony.

author

Ian Swaby

Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.