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From YouTube: 2023 MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY
Description
2023 Memorial Day Ceremony
Thank you to Oldsmar's Veterans Advisory Board members for their hard work year-round to provide the Oldsmar community with its annual Memorial Day Ceremony, held on Monday, May 29, at Veterans Memorial Park.
This event always provides an opportunity for all to unite in solitude and grace to honor the military service men and women who lost their lives while serving their country.
The ceremony featured Keynote Speaker Ret. Brigadier General Jeff Doll, U.S. Army, as well as city officials and regional dignitaries. Gold Star Families were recognized and encouraged to assist in the annual placing of the wreath portion of the ceremony.
Additionally, representatives from the Dunedin High School Scottish Highland Band, Alonso High School Jr. ROTC, Bayside Community Church, and Taps Across America participated. Local youth singer Taleah Walk made her debut singing the National Anthem.
A
A
A
B
C
B
C
C
D
Let's
pray
on
this
Memorial
Day,
a
sacred
and
solemn
occasion.
We
gather
together
O
Lord
as
a
community
to
honor
the
memory
and
sacrifice
of
those
who've
given
their
lives
in
service
to
our
nation,
as
we
reflect
on
their
selflessness
and
bravery,
we
humbly
come
before
you
seeking
your
presence
and
guidance
in
this
moment
of
remembrance,
Lord
God.
You
are
the
embodiment
of
love,
compassion
and
sacrifice.
You
gave
The
Ultimate
Gift
so
that
we
might
have
life
and
we
are
forever
grateful
for
your
grace
and
mercy.
D
Today.
We
lift
up
our
hearts
to
you
and
ask
for
your
comforting
presence
to
be
with
us,
as
we
remember
and
pay
tribute
to
our
fallen
heroes.
We
remember
we
remember
those
who
have
served
in
the
military
laying
down
their
lives
to
protect
the
freedoms
that
we
hold
so
dear.
They
stood
strong
in
the
face
of
adversity,
demonstrating
unwavering
courage
and
commitment.
They
fought
for
justice
and
Liberty
embodying
the
values
that
our
great
nation
was
built
on
Lord.
D
In
the
midst
of
our
remembrance,
we
pray
for
those
who
currently
serve
protect
them
Lord,
as
they
bravely
defend
our
nation,
grant
them
wisdom,
discernment
and
strength
to
carry
out
their
duties
with
honor
and
integrity,
surround
them
with
your
Divine
protection
and
bring
them
home
safely
to
their
loved
ones.
Father.
We
also
lift
up
our
leaders
and
policy
makers
who
hold
the
responsibility
of
guiding
our
nation,
grant
them
wisdom
and
humility
to
make
decisions
that
promote
peace,
Justice,
godliness
and
unity.
D
May
they
seek
your
guidance
in
their
deliberations
and
lead
with
integrity
and
compassion.
Finally,
Lord
we
pray
for
healing
and
Reconciliation
in
our
land,
so
many
divisions,
so
many
deep
divisions
that
exist
Among
Us
may
they
be
minted.
May
we
strive
for
Unity
and
understanding
help
us
to
love
one
another,
as
you
have
loved
us,
regardless
of
our
differences,
may
we
work
together
to
build
a
nation
that
reflects
your
love
and
grace
and
help
us
to
live
lives
that
honor
and
glorify
you,
for?
E
C
C
F
F
A
C
H
H
B
H
H
B
I
This
presentation
is
called
the
symbols
of
service
and
sacrifice
when
a
man
or
woman
enters
our
Armed
Forces
his
or
her
family
becomes
a
blue
star
family,
a
blue
star
service
flag
can
be
displayed
in
their
home.
This
service
flag
contains
a
blue
star
which
represents
hope
and
pride.
The
red
border
signifies
the
blood
given
by
many
of
our
soldiers
in
defense,
of
Freedom,
at
home
and
on
foreign
soil.
I
J
I
Another
symbol
of
sacrifice
is
the
Florida
Gold
Star
Family
license
plate.
There
are
two
and
possibly
three
of
these
license
plates
in
the
parking
lot
here.
Michelle
was
instrumental
in
making
it
available
to
All
Gold
Star
families,
a
fallen
service
members,
Michelle
and
I
became
proud,
Blue
Star
Mothers.
When
our
sons
entered
the
military,
then
we
became
Gold
Star
Mothers
when
our
sons
made
the
ultimate
sacrifice.
J
My
son
was
United
States
Marine
Corporal
Barton
R
homo
Hans,
who
was
killed
in
action
on
August
26
2004
in
operation,
Iraqi
freedom
but
joined
the
military
right
after
9
11
went
in
the
Marines
three
weeks
after
joining
and
did
two
tours
in
Iraq.
Before
we
lost
him
in
August,
he
was
killed
just
four
days
after
his
sister
turned
18.
I
My
son
was
the
United
States
Armory
Army
Corporal
Frank
R
gross,
who
was
killed
in
action
July
the
16
2011
an
operation
enduring
freedom.
Frank
was
the
only
known,
ultimar
resident
and
Hometown
hero
who
was
killed
in
action
in
oldsmar's
history
that
we
know
of
unless
Jerry
beaverland
finds
out.
Otherwise,.
I
J
I
So
in
closing,
we
think
Oldsmar
city,
council
and
oldsmar's
Leisure
Services
for
remembering
our
fallen
and
hosting
today's
Memorial
Day
ceremony
before
we
leave
here
today,
Michelle
and
I
before
we
leave
here
today
to
enjoy
this
beautiful
day
with
family
and
friends.
Michelle
and
I
encourage
everyone
to
spend
a
few
moments
at
the
Fallen
Soldiers
Battlefield
cross
with
Bartons
and
Frank's
name
engraved
upon
it
say
a
prayer
for
our
nation
and
thank
God
for
the
service
and
sacrifice
of
our
fallen
for
Michelle
and
me,
and
probably
for
you.
B
I
I
A
K
Thank
you
for
taking
time
out
of
your
day
to
remember
what
this
day
is
all
about:
city
of
Oldsmar.
Thank
you
for
caring
enough
to
do
this
every
year
and
to
do
it
in
a
way
that
shows
respect
and
honor
for
not
only
those
who
have
passed,
but
those
who
have
served
in
our
military
in
a
manner
that
none
of
us
can
ever
thank
them
or
repay
them
enough.
I
believe
this
is
155th
Memorial
Day.
K
Officially
and
today
we
come
to
honor
and
remember
and
pay
respect
to
the
over
1
million
Americans
men
and
women
who
have
made
that
ultimate
sacrifice
that
we
come
to
honor.
Today,
this
Memorial
Day.
We
take
a
moment
to
remember
those
who
have
paid
that
ultimate
sacrifice
to
safeguard
our
nation
from
adversaries,
foreign
and
domestic.
K
We
must
remember
that
freedom
comes
at
a
high
price
and
it's
our
duty
to
remind
each
generation
never
to
take
freedom
for
granted.
I
came
across
a
passage
that
I
thought
was
very
appropriate
for
today's
service
and
it's
by
a
name.
You'll
recognize
this
by
Ronald
Reagan,
but
it
was
not
his
presidential
inauguration.
K
It
was
his
inauguration
address
in
1967
when
he
was
sworn
in
as
governor
of
the
state
of
California
Governor
Reagan
said
freedom
is
a
fragile
thing
and
it's
never
more
than
one
generation
away
from
extinctions.
It
is
not
ours.
By
way
of
inheritance,
it
must
be
fought
for
and
defended
constantly
by
each
generation,
for
it
comes
only
once
to
a
people
and
those
in
world
history
who
have
known
freedom
and
then
lost.
It
have
never
known
it
again.
B
K
For
those
over
one
million
people
that
made
that
ultimate
sacrifice
dating
back
to
the
Civil
War
I'm,
proud
to
be
a
part
of
the
city
of
Osmar,
observance
of
Memorial,
Day
and
and
mayor
you
and
your
Council
and
city
manager,
Donnelly,
you
get
it
and
I'm,
proud
I'm,
proud
to
say
that
I'm
I
represent
Osmar
and
I.
Never
take
that
for
granted
and
I'm
honored
to
be
here.
K
I
hope
you
will
deliberate
about
how
you
observed
this
weekend,
whether
it's
Landing,
your
driveway,
with
small
Flags
attending
parade
or
making
a
phone
call
to
a
family
member
who
have
lost
loved
ones.
In
the
line
of
duty
too
many
Americans
today
are
shopping
for
a
sale
on
mattresses,
going
to
the
car
lot
to
try
to
get
a
sale
for
the
Memorial
Day
sale
going
to
the
beach,
which
is
not
bad.
K
A
He
was
then
elected
to
the
Florida
Senate,
serving
from
2006
to
2010.,
representing
District
16.
in
2012.
He
was
elected
to
the
Pinellas
County
Commission
and
re-elected
in
2016
and
2020..
He
represents
all
of
Pinellas
County
residents
at
Large,
as
the
at-large
commissioner
for
district.
Three
commissioner
Justice
currently
serves
as
chair
of
the
Tampa
Bay
Estuary
program
policy
board
and
the
storm
water
Wastewater
partnership,
in
addition
to
serving
on
the
board
of
directors
of
several
organizations
throughout
Pinellas
in
His
official
capacity
as
commissioner.
A
His
commission
service
has
included
stints
of
chair
of
the
tourism
Development
Council
Economic,
Development,
Council
and
historic
preservation.
Board
Charlie
is
a
Pinellas
County
native
growing
up
in
St
Petersburg.
He
graduated
from
Boca
ciega
high
school
and
received
degrees
from
both
Saint
Petersburg
College
and
the
University
of
South
Florida.
He
currently
lives
in
St
Petersburg,
with
his
wife
and
two
daughters.
Please
welcome
County
Commissioner
Charlie
Justice.
L
Good
morning,
everyone
I
really
appreciate
the
opportunity
to
be
with
you
all
today,
as
a
son
of
an
army
veteran
and
brother
of
an
Air
Force
veteran.
It
is
incredibly
meaningful
me
to
be
with
you
today
on
behalf
of
commission
chair
Janet
long
Vice,
chair,
Kathleen
Peters,
and
the
entire
County
Commission
I
bring
you
greetings
on
this
Memorial
Day
2023..
L
The
thing
I
think
makes
our
military
our
First
Responders.
So
special
and
worthy
of
this
devotion
is
when
military
signs
up
when
they
enlist
they
have
no
one
idea
where
they
will
be
called.
They
have
no
idea
whether
they'll
be
safely
and
Scott's,
Stateside
or
they'll
end
up
on
the
front
line
in
the
most
dangerous
place
in
the
world,
and
they
sign
up
anyway.
They
enlist
anyway
that
kind
of
devotion.
That
kind
of
commitment
to
our
nation
is
remarkable
and
worthy
of
every
Accolade
worthy
of
our
commitment
to
them
and
their
families.
L
So
we
come
today
to
pay
tribute
to
our
heroes
and
to
their
families
that
carry
on
in
their
absence.
We
want
to
honor
every
one
of
you,
the
community
of
Oldsmar,
for
your
commitment
to
our
veterans
and
Families
so
again
on
behalf
of
the
entire
Pinellas
County
Commission,
I'm
honored,
to
be
with
you
and
mayor.
If
you
join
me,
I'd
like
to
present
to
you,
this
Proclamation
commemorating
Memorial,
Day,
2023
and
saluting
the
community
of
Oldsmar
for
their
military
commitment.
Thank
you
very
much.
A
Thank
you,
commissioner,
Justice
for
your
Proclamation
and
for
being
here
with
us
today,
I'm
now
honored
to
recognize
and
introduce
Pinellas
County
Commissioner,
Renee
flowers,
who
will
be
providing
a
few
awards
for
us
today.
Commissioner
flowers
was
elected
to
Pinellas
County
Commission
on
November
3rd
2020..
Prior
to
that
she
served
as
St
Petersburg
City
council
member
president
of
the
Florida
League
of
cities
and
the
national
league
of
cities,
finance
committee
member.
A
She
was
elected
to
Pinellas
County
school
board
in
2012,
serving
as
board
chair
for
two
consecutive
terms.
Previously
she
was
employed
with
the
Gulf
Coast
Jewish
Family
and
Community
Services
as
the
employee,
education
and
development
manager
responsible
for
the
professional
development
and
specialized
training
for
over
400
employees
throughout
the
state
of
Florida.
A
Commissioner
flowers
is
certified
as
a
quality
assurance
auditor
and
is
a
Florida
certified
board
trainer.
She
has
received
agrees
from
Tallahassee
Community,
College,
Eckerd,
College
and
Capella
University,
where
she
is
also
a
current
doctoral
candidate.
Please
welcome
County
Commissioner,
Renee
flowers.
M
M
M
Men
and
women
represent
this
great
country
and
by
paying
that
ultimate
sacrifice.
They
are
to
be
commended.
Every
single
second
of
the
day,
I
serve
on
a
board.
That's
the
Pinellas
Sun
Coast
transit
authority,
and
we
just
approved
a
ensuring
that
every
single
veteran
can
receive
a
free
bus
pass
for
transportation
throughout
this
County,
so
that
if
they
have
appointments,
they
need
to
get
to,
they
can
get
there.
M
They
could
never
ever
repay
those
of
you
who
served
whether
it
was
the
Korean
war
or
whether
it
was
Vietnam
whether
it
was
Iraqi
freedom,
World,
War,
One
or
World
War
II.
We
can
never
pay
you
enough
or
repay
you
for
your
service,
those
young
adults
who
are
venturing
into
the
military.
Those
who
we
saw
today
from
Dunedin
High
School.
M
Please
know
that
I
am
forever
grateful
for
your
service
and
I
know
that
you
are
doing
all
that
you
can
to
make
sure
that
any
service
that
a
veteran
needs
it
is
available
to
them.
Thank
you
so
much
for
allowing
me
to
share
on
this
day
and
thank
you
so
much
for
allowing
all
of
us
to
be
able
to
uplift
you
and
to
support
you
and
to
be
there
for
you
just
like
you
have
been
there
for
us.
Thank
you.
A
N
N
Kip
Potts
and
his
team
do
an
amazing
job
for
our
city.
I,
wanted
to
say
a
special
introduction
to
somebody
that
is
here
today.
I
would
like
to
recognize
staff
sergeant,
Eric,
Eugene
Robinson,
commissioner
Robinson
and
I
serve
on
the
PSTA
board,
and
her
brother
is
here
and
I
would
like
him
to
recognize
him.
Would
you
please
rise?
N
N
Thank
you
all
for
coming
out
today
we
are
honored
here
to
pay
tribute
to
the
brave
men
and
the
women
who
have
made
the
ultimate
sacrifice,
while
serving
our
great
nation.
Memorial
Day
is
a
time
for
reflection,
remembrance
and
gratitude.
It
is
a
day
to
remember
those
who
selfishly
put
their
lives
in
the
line
to
protect
our
freedoms
and
uphold
the
values
we
hold
dear.
It
is
a
day
to
express
our
heartfelt
appreciation
for
their
service
and
to
support
the
families
who
have
lost
their
loved
ones.
N
Oldsmar
is
a
city,
proud
history,
strong
sense
of
community,
deeply
rooted
in
the
ideas
of
patriotism
and
service.
We
come
together
today
to
honor
the
heroes
who
have
left
a
mark
on
our
hearts.
Their
courage,
dedication,
sacrifice
service,
has
a
shiny
example
to
all
of
us
as
we
stand
here
today.
Please
remember
that
our
freedom
is
not
free.
It
has
been
earned
through
the
blood,
sweat
tears
of
those
who
have
fought
and
died
in
defense
of
our
nation.
N
The
cost
of
our
Liberty
is
high
and
we
must
never
forget
the
price
paid
by
so
many
in
this
peaceful
corner
of
our
nation.
We
are
reminded
of
the
blessings
we
enjoy
every
single
day:
the
freedom
to
speak,
our
minds,
practice
our
beliefs
and
lives
and
live
our
lives
and
the
peace
is
a
precious
gift.
It
is
our
duty,
our
responsibility,
to
safeguard
this
gift
and
honor
those
who
made
it
possible
today,
I
request
each
of
you
to
take
a
moment
and
reflect
on
the
self.
N
A
O
O
O
You're
each
Heroes
and
thank
you
all
for
your
selfless
service.
It
is
truly
an
honor
to
be
with
you
today,
as
we
remember
all
those
who
have
lost
their
lives
in
defense
of
our
country.
Today's
the
day
we
put
aside
to
honor
our
fallen
heroes,
it's
a
day
of
thanks
to
honor,
the
Valor
of
others.
President
Kennedy
reminded
us
ask
not
what
your
country
can
do
for
you,
but
what
you
can
do
for
your
country,
and
today
we
honor
those
who
answered
this
call.
O
O
Memorial
Day
is
not
to
be
a
day
of
solemn
mourning,
but
a
day
of
reverent
celebration,
a
celebration
of
the
men
and
women
who
ensured
we
can
freely
and
peaceably
assemble
here
today
to
continue
our
Democratic
way
of
life,
It
Is
by
their
very
efforts
in
the
blood
they
shed.
That
ensures
us
the
freedoms
we
so
dearly
cherish
and
enjoy.
Today.
O
These
efforts
are
what
President
Lincoln
called
the
last
full
measure
of
devotion
in
the
fight
for
liberty
since
1866,
when
the
people,
people
of
Waterloo
New
York
dipped
their
Flags
to
half
mast
and
decorated
their
Village
to
remember
the
soldiers
who
died
during
the
Civil
War.
Our
nation
has
paid
tribute
to
those
lives
of
all
service
men
and
women
who
have
fallen
in
the
line
of
duty.
O
O
B
O
Of
those
who
not
only
answered
the
call
to
arms,
but
who
risked
everything
even
their
lives
to
defend
America
and
its
interests,
its
ordinary
men
and
women,
have
fought
to
obtain
our
freedom
and
defend
our
United
States
for
more
than
240
years.
They
have
performed
an
extraordinary
Duty
without
regard
to
personal
personal.
A
O
O
O
O
It's
the
years
at
the
time,
deployed,
separated
from
family
and
austere
conditions
in
unfamiliar
lands,
braving
the
constant
threat
of
death
and
serious
injury
that
makes
them
Our
Heroes
these
men
and
women
too,
must
be
honored
here
today
and
Beyond
president
Theodore
Roosevelt,
who
was
a
veteran
himself
once
said
for
those
who
fight
for
it,
life
has
a
special
flavor.
The
protectant
will
never
know.
O
O
You
did
that
by
coming
out
today
to
celebrate
the
service
and
sacrifice
your
fellow
Americans
have
made
and
continue
to
make
each
day
in
defense
of
America
for
Americans.
It
is
our
responsibility
as
Citizens
to
remember
the
nation's
Brave
Fallen
men
and
women,
whether
they
died
on
foreign
lands
in
the
heat
of
battle
or
after
a
career
and
service
uniform
of
our
country
and
never
forget
the
men
and
women
who
know
all
too
much.
The
cost
of
our
freedom
for
their
service
to
this
country
is
the
greatest
gift
of
all.
O
And
finally,
as
you
get
ready
to
round
out
your
long
Memorial
Day
weekend
with
barbecues
parades
and
family
gatherings,
result
to
continue
The
Narrative
of
this
holiday
with
your
loved
ones.
What
day
is
better
than
today
to
commit
to
doing
this
small
task
later
after
the
sun
sets
and
after
the
smell
of
hot
dogs
and
burgers
fade
away?
I
ask
you
to
stop
and
reflect
on
this
day
and
the
service
members
who
paid
a
price
we
will
never
be
able
to
match.
O
Your
presence
here
today
and
that
of
the
people
Gathering
all
across
America,
is
a
tribute
to
those
lost
those
serving
and
to
their
families.
It's
a
way
to
say
we
remember,
we
remember
that
freedom
is
not
free.
Let
us
start
the
summer
with
a
triumphant
enjoy
a
song
as
we
celebrate.
Liberty
love
and
life.
God
bless
you
and
may
God
bless
the
United
States
of
America.
A
P
P
A
Thank
you
that
was
performed
by
Gary
Williams,
who
is
a
member
of
TAPS
across
America
I,
want
to
thank
all
of
you
for
being
in
attendance
with
us
today.
Please
be
sure
to
visit
VFW
Post
one
two
one,
eight
six
at
their
tent,
where
you
can
learn
more
about
the
buy.
A
big
program,
buy
a
brick
program
and
information
about
their
monthly
meetings.