Veterans and community members hike in honor of Memorial Day

By Ian Swaby
| 5:45 p.m. May 25, 2024

Carly Weakland of Veterans Affairs Law walks with Anthony Kuhn and his longtime friend from the U.S. Army, Wayne Robinson.

Sarasota
Neighbors

For Paul Blohm, a veteran of the 4th Infantry Division and the National Guard, the ninth annual Memorial Day Hike by SRQ Vets was an opportunity for veterans to join together — but it was a camaraderie with a noble purpose.

“Today is about remembering the fallen obviously, but to be able to come together and do that means even more," he said. "It almost feels like we need to get back together, because we've spread out, and now this is one of them times we get to concentrate, and heal, and remember the fallen."

The event also brought together family members of veterans and community members.

"We’re able to see, and relate to and understand what our brothers and sisters have gone through losing loved ones, and able to support gold star families and people whose lives have drastically changed because of the cost of war," said Laura Hartman, a volunteer with Concerned Veterans for America. "When we come together, as a community, it provides the opportunity for us to heal and grow together.”

Beginning at J.D. Hamel Park, the 5K hike involved a trip across the John Ringling Causeway to Bird Key and back, with a stop at the Unconditional Surrender statue at Bayfront Park. It was followed by live music and food at J.D. Hamel Park.

The hike was preceded by a ceremony that included remarks by SRQ Vets co-founder Bill Sterbinsky.

“We do it to remember them and speak their names, tell their stories," he said. "Don't be shy, and love them. Love them just as much as you do today, as if they were there yesterday."

Gary Williams of VFW Post 3233 plays Taps.

Hikers make their way across the bridge, with Dave Taylor and Danielle Robbins in front.

Four-month-old Lucas Dorian, Chris Dorian and Savannah Dorian

Four-month-old Noa Miller gets ready to depart with her mother Marlee Miller

Rob Kehs, board president of SRQ VETS, and board member Ben Voorhees, lead the hike as they lead the walk along Bayfront Drive.

Jake Frankeart, Jessica Hughes and Ghost walk beside the Ringling Causeway.

Sebastian Jasinski and Liam Jasinski, 7, walk the Ringling Causeway together.

Tom Rogers makes his way across the Ringling Causeway.

Gunner Patrick, Sarah Murphy, Alexis Patrick and Scott Patrick

Hikers gather at the Unconditional Surrender statue after the walk.

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.