Sarasota residents honor sacrifices at Memorial Day Parade

All ages could be found at Sarasota's Memorial Day Parade, from kids representing organizations such as Children of the American Revolution, to local students from Sarasota Military Academy, to families watching from the sidewalks. 

Among the participants were the Hill family, who arrived decked in patriotic colors. 

Candace Hill, who has a child at Sarasota Military Academy, said they enjoy coming out to the Memorial Day parade and Veterans Day parade every year. 

She called the event "nice and great for the kids," and also for honoring service members. 

Held along Main Street, from Osprey Avenue to J.D. Hamel Park, the parade featured local organizations and government agencies commemorating those who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The parade concluded with a ceremony at J.D. Hamel Park, which featured guest speaker Charlie Halley, a U.S. Army veteran, radio personality and the founder of DD214 Jeepers, an organization that works to improve the lives of veterans.

The ceremony also included a moment of silence for former emcee Sonny Bywaters, who died since handing the role, which he held for 45 years, to Darrell Butler, during last year's Veterans Day parade.

Among those participating in this year's parade was Cadet Col. Heloisa Monteiro, a rising eighth grader at Sarasota Military Academy.

"I have so much honor in being able to march and respect all those that have died in a war for us, and I am just so grateful," Monteiro said. "I feel like if anyone has a chance to come march in the parade, you definitely should, because it's a great honor, and it's a great opportunity to meet new people and to try new things."