Memorial Day Parade marches in honor of fallen service members

Paul Shepherd and his family don't miss the Memorial Day Parade and ceremony each year. 

With his grandfather, Peter Shepherd, having served as a tail gunner in World War II, he said the family recognizes the importance of honoring the sacrifices of service members. 

“It means everything, really,” he said. “This is how we got our freedom.”

Centered on the theme of "Some Gave All," the parade featured local police and fire personnel and vehicles, local organizations, convoys of jeeps and motorcycles and more. 

The event was followed by a ceremony at J.D. Hamel Park. 

Hosted by Sonny Bywaters, the ceremony included an invocation by Jan Solomon, the reading of Memorial Day proclamations by city of Sarasota Mayor Liz Alpert and County Commissioner Mark Smith and a speech by Michael Tollerton, a Sarasota native and female Army veteran who served for six years, earning the rank of captain in the field artillery.

“On this solemn day, let us all pledge to never forget the sacrifices of our fallen heroes," Tollerton said. "May we always remember the lessons of the past and strive to build a future worthy of their sacrifice. As we look to the future, let us remember that the torch of freedom is not ours to keep, but ours to pass on to future generations. Let us nurture the next generation of leaders to equip them with the knowledge, lessons and values they need to carry forward with pride.”