Sarasota National Cemetery honors unclaimed veterans

Veterans with no family are laid to rest at Sarasota National Cemetery

WWSB ABC 7 News
By Kamara Daughtry
March 10, 2019

SARASOTA (WWSB) - The Sarasota National Cemetery holds “Unclaimed Veteran” services once a week to honor those who’ve served our country.

A Veterans Affairs pension or other compensation is no longer a pre-requisite for “Unclaimed Veterans” to receive burial benefits. Unclaimed veterans are defined as those who die with no next of kin to claim their remains and insufficient funds to cover burial expenses.

ABC 7 covered the event Facebook live to show residents on Thurs. March 7, around 11:30 a.m., on volunteers around the Suncoast who paid their respects. The Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus organization came together to lay two Marines to rest, one soldier and one airman.

The Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus ensures that the veterans have a proper burial at no cost.

John Rosentrater, Director of the Sarasota National Cemetery told ABC7 burials occur at least once a week and veterans from all over the Suncoast come to the service and accept the flag as their “kin.”

A funeral home usually contacts the National Cemetery when an unclaimed veteran needs to be laid to rest and is reimbursed for their efforts. The PDF document listed here shows the Unclaimed Veteran Remains Casket or Urn Reimbursement Program.

For more information about the Sarasota National Cemetery contact (941) 922-7200.
go here for video report

Memorial Day, Graves Honored, Day After Flags on Ground?

Veteran angered as dozens of American flags left on the ground at Chattanooga National Cemetery
WRCB News
Michelle Heron
June 8, 2016

"These are veteran's flags. They flew on their graves and then to disgrace them by rolling them up and putting them on the ground, just ate my crawl," Strube said.

Dozens of American flags on the ground at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. Photo by Don Strube

Chattanooga TN

A veteran, visiting the Chattanooga National Cemetery, leaves livid after finding American flags on the ground.

It happened last Tuesday as volunteers and crews were taking down Memorial Day flags but cemetery staff say the volunteers removing the flags had the best of intentions.

Vietnam veteran Don Strube and his friend discovered dozens of American flags rolled up in piles on the ground last Tuesday.
read more here
WRCBtv.com | Chattanooga News, Weather & Sports

Cape Canaveral VA Cemetery Honors First 12

Cape Canaveral VA cemetery holds first burials
FLORIDA TODAY
R. Norman Moody
January 13, 2016

The cemetery is expected to serve the burial needs of more than 163,000 veterans in Brevard and surrounding counties for the next 100 years.

SCOTTSMOOR — A caisson carrying the cremated remains of 12 veterans and drawn by two mules ushered in the first burial ceremony at the new Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.

The remains were from members of all five branches of the U.S. military, including the Coast Guard. The service featured full military honors.

Among the veterans buried was Air Force Tech. Sgt. John Garvey, who served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, and was 89 when he died in April.

His sons, Tom Garvey, of Titusville, and Glenn Garvey, who lives in Brandon, said they waited to have their father buried at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery so he would be nearby.

"Being here, we knew of this coming, so we waited to have him interred here," said Tom Garvey, who like his brother, is a Vietnam veteran. "It's an honor to have him as one of the first."
read more here

See video report from WFTV News
VA to open Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims

Cape Canaveral National Cemetery Dedicated

National Cemetery dedicated in north Brevard
FLORIDA TODAY
R. Norman Moody
November 21, 2015

SCOTTSMOOR — Cape Canaveral National Cemetery has officially become the ninth national cemetery in Florida and the 134th in the nation.

The Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, which will serve the burial needs of veterans in Central Florida for many years, was dedicated in a ceremony Friday afternoon that attracted hundreds veterans and their families from Brevard and surrounding counties.

"This is probably one of the best things for the veterans and their families since the VA hospital in Orlando," said Al "Gunner" Dudley, a Marine veteran from Mims who is past state commander of the American Legion.

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert McDonald told the crowd of more than 500 that he was pleased to be a part the dedication that shows the nation's gratitude to those who served in uniform.

The VA purchased the land for the cemetery in July 2012 for $2.1 million. The construction company, G and C Fab-Con, LLC., is expected to complete an early turn-over portion of the cemetery which will be used for in-ground casket and cremation interments in January. That phase of construction is anticipated to provide for about 17,000 burial over the next 10 years.
read more here

Tallahassee National Cemetery Opening Soon

VA oversees largest expansion of national cemeteries since the Civil War 
VAntage Point
Chris Erbe
August 4, 2015

More than 500 Veterans, family members and patriotic citizens witnessed the ceremonial breaking of ground and dedication of the Tallahassee National Cemetery earlier this summer.

The event, fittingly held on Memorial Day weekend, attracted a stellar cast of local, state and national dignitaries, community and military bands, color and honor guard units, Veterans and supporters. 

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Bob McDonald provided the keynote address. He was joined onstage by Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs Jeff Miller, Ranking Member Corrine Brown, U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham, interim Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs Ronald Walters and other state and local officials. “Here, we establish another glade of America’s most hallowed ground,” said McDonald, “to pay homage to men and women who so valued America that they placed their lives at risk in the defense of generations yet to come.”

When Tallahassee National Cemetery opens for first burials in a few short weeks, it will be part of the largest expansion of national cemeteries since the Civil War. 

In the next few years, VA will open 17 new cemeteries throughout the country.

Later in 2015, VA will dedicate Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, also in Florida. This entire expansion effort will increase or enhance burial access for over two million Veterans and their families. 

Once these planned projects are complete, more than 96 percent of Veterans will have access to a burial option within a 75-mile radius of their homes.

VA will build five full-service national cemeteries—the two in Florida and three others planned for Omaha, Neb., western New York and southern Colorado. read more here

Iraq Veteran Arthur Guise VA National Cemetery Denied Burial

You may be thinking that as a murder, this veteran does not deserve to be buried at a National Cemetery. You may be thinking that since he did serve this country and risked his life for it, that was enough for you. The trouble is, there is no easy answer.

Here is a reminder of what happened.

'He saw a lot in Iraq. It changed him': Father of shooter in York County murder-suicide

The man who authorities said committed suicide after he shot a woman at a York County bar last night likely suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder following military tours in Iraq, according to his father.

Lenard Guise of Mount Holly Springs said Arthur Guise, his son, did two tours in Iraq during his time in the Army.

"I think that affected him," Guise said. "He was going to some counseling to help. He saw a lot in Iraq. It changed him."

Here is the latest.

Iraq War veteran denied burial in national cemetery after murder-suicide
York Daily Record
Written by Dylan Segelbaum
Jul 29, 2015

A request from the family of an Iraq War veteran accused of shooting his ex-girlfriend and then killing himself outside a bar in the Dillsburg area for him to be buried in a national cemetery has been denied.

"It's a very tiny, tiny, tiny occurrence that, unfortunately, it does happen now and again," said Michael Nacincik, a spokesman for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' National Cemetery Administration. "We have to follow the law, and that's what we did in this case."

On July 2, Arthur Guise, 31, of Dillsburg, walked into Flapjack's Restaurant and Pub, and, without saying a word, shot and killed Sharon Williams, 33, of Mount Holly Springs, before killing himself, the York County Coroner's Office has said. Both died at the bar, which is off Route 15 in Carroll Township. Under federal law, Nacincik said, veterans who commit a capital crime are barred from being buried in a national cemetery. Though he did not have exact numbers for denials, Nacincik said the administration handles the burials of 125,000 veterans per year.
read more here

Guise wanted help and tried to get it. Now he is dead and so is Sharon Williams. Folks are recovering from the shock but some are still grieving. While you are deciding what should be the right way to bury this veteran, we should also be wondering what was the right way to take care of him before he went from risking his life twice in combat into pulling the trigger of someone he used to care about.

Veteran Reminds Others No "Happy" Memorial Day

I’m a veteran and I hate ‘Happy Memorial Day.’ Here’s why.
Washington Post
By Jennie Haskamp
May 22, 2015

I’m frustrated by people all over the country who view the day as anything but a day to remember our WAR DEAD. I hate hearing “Happy Memorial Day.”

I have friends buried in a small corner of a rolling green field just down the road from the Pentagon. They’re permanently assigned to Section 60. For those of you unfamiliar with the term, it’s 14 acres in the southeast corner of Arlington National Cemetery that serves as a burial ground for many military personnel killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. There are fresh graves there.

I spent my formative years in combat boots and all of my friends are in the military, were in the military, or married into the military. I have several friends buried at Arlington, and know of dozens more men and women interred in that hallowed ground.

Section 60 is a place I visit often.

I toyed with the idea of making the trip south from New York City this weekend to spend some time, reflect and sit quietly but decided against it. Some friend, huh?

Nearly 150 years ago, Memorial Day— first called Decoration Day— was set aside to decorate the graves of the men who’d recently died in battle. America was still reeling from the Civil War when Gen. John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, issued a proclamation in 1868, according to a PBS account of his decision. “The 30th of May,” he declared, “would be an occasion to honor those who died in the conflict.”

Wednesday night, sitting in a pizza joint in the Bronx, watching the world go by, I was upset and couldn’t put my finger on why.

A friend said “Hey! Do you want to go to Fleet Week? It’s this weekend here in the city.”

What? No? Absolutely not. I don’t want to be in the midst of tens of thousands of people clamoring for a chance to look at a static display of Marine Corps and Navy equipment. I don’t want to see Marines and sailors dressed up, paraded around for community relations and recruiting purposes. I don’t want to watch any parades.

As I said it (barked it, really), my friend’s eyes widened and I recognized the frustration in my tone. I didn’t know why I was upset, at first. I paused, and while I was sitting there contemplating my outburst, I heard a commercial on the radio screaming through the tinny speakers.

“Beaches, beats and BBQs!” it said. “We’re your Memorial Day station with everything you need to kick off the summer in style!”
read more here

Wounded Times Shadow Salute

Memorial Day Events for Central Florida

Remember, Memorial Day isn't supposed to be a "happy" day but it has turned into the unofficial kickoff to summer with BBQ, shopping and beaches. If you don't remember what the day is supposed to mean, then please go to work Monday or at least think about your own family members someplace on your family tree you should be honoring instead of enjoying a day off work.

From Cathy Haynes

May event list #2, Memorial Day/weekend and associated events in Central Florida.  

Please share with others.   Post where appropriate.   Attend when able.

There are other events before the weekend and after the Memorial Day/weekend that were on the event list sent out on May 1.  

American Legion membership - Special Membership Drive for all New Member Veterans, Active Duty personnel AND Renewals!  But this is currently offered ONLY by Orlando Memorial Post 19, 5320 Alloway St, Orlando, 32810-5510.   Post 19 will pay $10 of your $35 annual dues, a $10 dollar saving, if you join by May 25.   Phone 407-622-1807   Membership includes the monthly national magazine that covers a wide variety of topics for all generations, all service zones, and all branches of our military.

Support Blue Star Families by shopping – Week of Sun. May 17 – Mon. May 25 – Macy’s offers 15%-25% discount in return for a $3 donation made at the register.   Proceeds benefit “Got Your Six” and “Blue Star Families” programs and events for military families.  

Florida’s Fallen Hero Crosses - Lawton House Grounds, 200 West Broadway, Oviedo, 32765. Guests are invited to walk the grounds May 16-25, where 385+ crosses with grapevine wreaths represent lost Floridian military members. Pictures and other items may be present with the displays.   This is free and open to the public to remember and honor service men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend and protect our freedom.   Memorial Day ceremony to honor them.   Info:   407-339-0879.

MEMORIAL DAY/weekend events:  

Memorial Day, an American holiday observed on the last Monday of May, honors men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings.

FRIDAY MAY 22

Ocoee’s Memorial Day Ceremony –11am - Lakeshore Center, 125 North Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee, 34761.  The keynote speaker will be Michael McDaniel, Department Adjutant of the Florida American Legion.   Mr. McDaniel served in the United States Marine Corps for 26 years and reached the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant.    As Adjutant he has oversight on more than 300 Posts and 113,101 Legionnaires throughout Florida and is an advocate for veterans’ rights in Washington, D.C. and Tallahassee.  A processional will be made to the Ocoee Memorial Wall, where a wreath will be set in place. The wall is inscribed with the names of Ocoee residents who gave their lives for freedom.  Ocoee High School student Andrew Jolicoeur will sing the National Anthem and there will be ceremonial flag presentations by the Ocoee High School Air Force JROTC Color Guard and Ocoee Police Department Honor Guard.   Jacob Pickett, Ocoee Middle School band director, will play "Taps". Refreshments will be served after the ceremony. Info:   Joy Wright at   joy.wright@ ocoee.org   407-905-3100

Tallahassee National Cemetery Dedication Ceremony – Fri. May 22 – 1pm ceremony with VA Secretary Bob McDonald scheduled to attend.   This site off of Apalachee Parkway will offer families in that area an alternative other than the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.

NOTE:   A second one cemetery for veterans – the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Scottsmoor of Brevard County, will open within the next year.   It will serve more than 163,000 veterans, spouses and their eligible dependents living in the central eastern Florida area.   If there are (or will be) cremains that you need to place, the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery may be closer to you than the one in Bushnell…something for you to consider…..

SATURDAY MAY 23

Cypress Grove Park Memorial Day Salute - 9:30am to 12noon – 290 Holden Ave., Orlando, 32839.   VFW Post 2093 Community Band will be performing, Chaplain Richard Black, USN (ret.) and Dr. Neal Euliano, keynote speaker.   Dr. Phillips High School ROTC will perform the Posting of the Colors, POW/MIA Remembrance and folding of the Flag; Goldenrod VFW Post 4287 will close with gun salute.   All veterans welcomed.   Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets.   Info:   407-855-5877.

Celebration’s Veterans Memorial Day Flag Ceremony – 10am – at Founders Park, Campus St, Celebration, 34747 in Osceola County.    The flag ceremony will honor the men and women who have bravely and selflessly defended our country, and will celebrate and pay tribute to our nation’s heroes.   The Celebration Veterans Group, Boy and Girl Scout Troops and the Garden Club of Celebration are helping to host this ceremony. The Celebration Community Chorus will put on a special performance recognizing US military members.  

Lake Nona VA Hospital Open House for VETERANS –10am to 2pm - Lake Nona Campus of Orlando VA Medical Center – 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, 32827. This day is targeted to honor Veterans, Active Duty and their families.   Veteran or active duty ID is needed (VA ID, DD214, Driver’s License with veteran designation, military ID, etc.)   Food, tours, games, more.   Public is invited on Tuesday, May 26 for the Dedication.   Public Affairs office – 407-599-1301.

Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum – Sat. May 23 and Sun. May 24 only – Open House 9am – 5pm, 6600 Tico Rd., Titusville, 32780.   Free admission for active or retired military and ALL Florida residents. (I.D. required)   Low fly-bys, memorabilia, combat pilots, exhibits and displays honoring the military.   Requesting additional donation of canned goods which will be sent to local food banks.    www. vacwarbirds.org    321-268-1941.

SUNDAY, MAY 24

Taft Cemetery – 12 noon ceremony, 501 Landstreet Rd., Orlando, 32824 in south Orlando.   American Legion Dorie Miller Memorial Post #331 will place flags on veteran’s graves beginning about an hour before the ceremony.   Public invited.   Post phone: 407-294-3548.

American Legion Memorial Day Commemoration - 1pm - Orlando Memorial Post 19, 5320 Alloway Street, Orlando, 32810.   Commemoration for all fallen warriors & will include recognition of two Post members who died within the past year – Gerry Rogers and Kenny Harlow - whose combined membership totaled over 100 years of service to American Legion.   Live music entertainment from 2 to 5 PM by 90 Proof Band.    Burger or Brat with two sides for $3 with advanced purchase of ticket otherwise will be $5 on the day.   Info:  Commander at 407-622-1807.

City of Rockledge Inaugural Memorial Day Ceremony – 2 to 3pm - This event will feature patriotic music, guest speakers, Color Guards, and the laying of a ceremonial wreath. Light refreshments to follow at the McLarty Park Recreation Center, 790 Barton Blvd. Rockledge, 32955   Info: www.    cityofrockledge.org

Coca-Cola 600, Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina - NASCAR drivers will honor fallen service members with "600 Miles of Remembrance." The strip across the windshield of Sprint Cup cars will feature a fallen United States Armed Forces member.   There will be two warriors from central Florida who will be remembered and honored:

·        Army Staff Sgt. Robert J. Miller from Oviedo, a Medal of Honor recipient, will have his name on the windshield of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s No. 88 Chevrolet.

·        Marine Gunnery Sgt. Floyd Earl Holley from Casselberry/Winter Park will have his name on the windshield of Landon Cassill’s No. 40 Chevrolet.

The race will start at 6pm, and will be carried on TV.

National ‪ ‎Memorial Day Concert - 8pm on our local PBS TV station – WUCF This concert is from Washington DC and is hosted by Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna.

MEMORIAL DAY, MONDAY 25 MAY – alphabetical by county

BREVARD COUNTY

10th Annual Cocoa Riverfront Park Memorial Day Tribute – 3pm to 8pm.   Parade through Historic Cocoa Village from 5p-6p.   Ceremony from 6:45 - 8pm - downtown Cocoa Village, 401 Riveredge Blvd, Cocoa, 32922.   Opening remarks will be presented by City Manager John A. Titkanich, Jr. and our guest speakers for the ceremony are Pastor David E. Bryant, Sr., US Air Force Retired, Major General Jonathan A. Maddux, US Army and Commander Paul Nitz, US Navy. There will be various veterans’ organizations on site, presentations and patriotic music. Special flag-folding ceremony, period costumes, a moment of silence, entertainment, and more.   Free. RAIN OR SHINE the tribute will take place. In inclement weather the event will be held in the Cocoa Civic Center located at 430 Delannoy Ave., Cocoa which is located directly behind the Riverfront Park. Info:  City of Cocoa Leisure Services Dept - 321-639-3500.   www. cocoafl.org

LAKE COUNTY

Lake County Memorial Day observance – 11am, Waterfront Pavilion, 330 Third Street on Lake Minneola in Clermont.   Sponsored by the Tomoka Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), I.W. Hatcher, Jr. South Lake Marine Corps Detachment and VFW Post #5277. Also participating will be the Knights of Columbus Council #13240, South Lake High School NJROTC, Boy Scouts and Girls Scout of South Lake County.   Info:  Susan DeHart at 352-242-2394.

Amvets Post 2006 Memorial Day ceremony – 11am - 500 N Canal St, Leesburg, Fl 34748.   Shortly after the ceremony, lunch will be served at 12:30 and prepared by the Military Chef of Le Cordon Bleu.   Info:   Peggy AMVETS Auxiliary at veteransinfoandevents@ gmail.com    407.484.2159  

ORANGE COUNTY

Winter Garden Memorial Day Service - 8:30 am at Veterans Memorial Park, 420 S. Park Ave., Winter Garden, 34787.   Featured speaker is Jerry L. Hagan of the Orange County Sheriff’s Dept. and retired Navy Master Chief.    A Roll Call of Veterans, placement of wreaths, patriotic songs performed that will invoke pride, honor and respect for our veterans. Refreshments will be served.   Info:   Theo Graham at 407-656-2021.

Orange County War Memorial Commemoration Ceremony – 10am – Orange County Courthouse, south side, 425 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, 32801.    Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs and the Orange County Veterans Advisory Council will express eternal gratitude.   Also attending Orlando City Mayors’ Veterans Advisory Council.   Keynote speaker will be Capt. Warren Hudson, USN (ret.) who is the President of Lake Highland Preparatory school.   He served aboard a Navy swift boat in Vietnam.   Color Guard, singers, high school band and more as we remember and honor members of the armed forces from Orange County who ultimately sacrificed their lives while serving our country.   Info:   407-836-7370.

Woodlawn Memorial Park Ceremony - 10am; 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Rd., Gotha, 34734.   Rifle volley, Taps and the tolling of the replica Liberty Bell in memory of the dead of all wars.   Guest speakers are former Florida House of Representatives member Dick Batchelor, and Army Col. Vincent F. Malone, 407-293-1361.

Greenwood Cemetery, Orlando – 10am - ceremony by the American Legion Orlando Memorial Post 19, at the Veterans Section of the cemetery, 1603 Greenwood St., Orlando, 32801.   Public is invited.   Refreshments for those attending free at the post following the ceremony at 5320 Alloway Street, Orlando, 32810.   Contact Information: Wade Foster 407-622-1807                

Glen Haven Memorial Park - 11am to 1pm - 2300 Temple Dr., Winter Park, 32789.   Annual observance of those who so selflessly fought and died for their country, honoring the memory of lives lost in service. Memorial service is emceed by 540 WFLA's Bud Hedinger.   It includes the presentation of the colors, uniform presentation of all wars by the Winter Springs High School Army JROTC unit, and patriotic songs sung by Charles Haugabrooks accompanied by the VFW 2093 Community Band.   Small American flags will be available for all visitors.   Info:   407-647-1100

American Legion Post 286 – 1 to 2 pm    The American Legion Family invites the public to the Memorial Day Observance Ceremony. 529 E. Fairlane Ave. Orlando, 32809.   (Pine Castle in South Orlando; north of Sand Lake Rd on Orange Ave.)   Info: Sandi at 407-859-1460.

Central Florida Veterans Memorial Park Foundation - 2pm – the first Memorial Day ceremony at the Central FL Veterans Memorial Wall located at the Lake Nona VA Hospital site.   The Wall features the names of fallen warriors from the six county area (Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Volusia) who served in WWI to the present day conflicts.   A reception starts at 1:45pm.   Arrive early, limited seating.  Lake Nona Campus of Orlando VA Medical Center – 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, 32827.

American Legion Post 112 – See event listed on Sunday, May 31.

OSCEOLA COUNTY

Osceola Memory Gardens – 8am, 1717 Old Boggy Creek Rd., Kissimmee, 34744.   Osceola County Veterans Council and other groups perform ceremony.   Public invited. 407-957-2511.

Mount Peace Cemetery – 10am, 755 E. 10th St., St. Cloud, 34769.   Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3227 is hosting St. Cloud's Memorial Day Service. Everyone is invited to stop by to remember and honor those who gave their all in the service of their country.   407-892-6761.

POLK COUNTY

Bok Tower Gardens Memorial Day Carillon Concerts – 1 to 1:30pm and 3 to 3:30pm, 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, 33853.   Half-hour carillon concerts as musical salute of gratitude to our nation’s military service – past and present.   Free admission offered to all military branches, active, retired, and disabled veterans with valid ID.   Concerts included with general admission.   863-676-1408.

SEMINOLE COUNTY

Florida’s Fallen Hero Crosses ceremony - 9am - Lawton House Grounds, 200 West Broadway, Oviedo, 32765. The Memorial Day ceremony to honor fallen Floridian military members. This free event is open to the public and includes the Presentation of Colors preceding a short program in memory of and to honor all U.S. service men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend and protect our freedom. Guests are also invited to walk the grounds May 16-25, where 385+ crosses with grapevine wreaths represent lost Floridian military members.  Info:   407-339-0879.

Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony - 9am - For spectators and family, the fun starts at 9 AM with music, stilt walkers and lots of fun!   The Parade starts at 10 AM, heading east to Park Avenue and then heads North on Park Avenue, ending at Seminole Boulevard and Veterans Memorial Park, 110 E. Seminole Blvd, Sanford, 32771. Dignitaries and officials, all of the County’s Veteran Service Groups, Tuskegee Airmen, the Steel Soldiers Military Vehicle Association, Cpl Larry E. Smedley National Vietnam War Museum, Bahia Shriners, a variety of Color Guards.   Also military vehicles and veteran organizations to give ‘Thanks’ to those who have served, continue to serve and to mourn with the family members who have lost loved ones on Memorial Day.   

The Remembrance Ceremony starts after the parade, at about 11am.   Sanford Veterans Memorial Park will feature dual 21-gun salute, a helicopter fly-over and Seminole County’s Sheriff’s Office own Chief Deputy Dennis Lemma, U.S. Marine, providing the Memorial Day Address. Hosted by City of Sanford and Seminole County Area Veterans Advisory Council (SCAVAC). The Remembrance Ceremony begins at 11 AM in Veterans Memorial Park.  Info:    Jennifer at 407.688.5120, www.    sanfordfl.gov

Seminole County Hero's Memorial Dedication – 2pm - Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to first responders and military service personnel killed in combat.   In front of the Seminole County Criminal Justice Center, 101 Bush Blvd, at the Hero’s Memorial.   Info:   Ashley Moore    amoore@ seminolecountyfl.gov   407-665-1172.

SUMTER COUNTY

Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell – 11am - 6502 SW 102nd Ave., Bushnell, 33513.   Traditional and touching ceremony.   Guest speaker.   Persons attending need to arrive early and enjoy the patriotic and inspirational musical prelude which will begin shortly before the ceremony. Seating is limited, arrive early, wear comfortable clothing and bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit upon.   Info:   352-793-7740 or 1074.

Lake Nona VA Hospital dedication – Tues May 26 – HURRAY!   This long awaited Ceremony starts at10am and VA Secretary Bob McDonald will be attending to provide the keynote address.   Plan on arriving early to allow for time.   The dedication will culminate a week of special events, including a day for Veterans, the media, and our stakeholders as well.   Lake Nona Campus of Orlando VA Medical Center – 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, 32827.   Public Affairs office – 407-599-1301.

American Legion Post 112 Memorial Day Commemoration - Sun. May 31 – 11am – The Post members along with Sea Cadets, Fleet Reserve, and Boy Scouts assist with ceremony.   Public invited.   407-671-6404. 4490 N. Goldenrod Rd., Winter Park, 32792 (btwn Aloma Blvd and University Blvd.)  

Compiled by Cathy Haynes

chaynes11629@yahoo.com

Member/supporter of numerous veterans and military organizations in Central Florida

407-239-8468

Wreaths Across America Honors Fallen Back to Revolutionary War

Wreaths Across America ceremony honors fallen colonial soldiers
Newark Post Online
By Josh Shannon
Mon Dec 15, 2014

NEWARK POST PHOTO BY JOSH SHANNON
Wreaths Across America
Kevin Conley's service dog Angus, who helps him control his PTSD symptoms, mingles among the crowd at the Wreaths Across America ceremony at Pencader Heritage Museum on Saturday.

As part of a nationwide observance, dozens gathered Saturday near the site of the Battle of Cooch’s Bridge to lay wreaths in honor of the 24 colonial soldiers who died in the only Revolutionary War battle fought in Delaware.

“When our forefathers came to this ground in 1777, on their lips and in their minds was what freedom really stands for: independence and liberty,” State Rep. Earl Jaques told the crowd gathered at the Pencader Heritage Museum on Route 72. “They gave us that with their blood and with their ultimate sacrifice.”

Jaques, a brigadier general in the Delaware National Guard, was one of 10 people chosen to lay the wreaths, which are part of the Wreaths Across America program.

The effort began in 1992 when the Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine, had a surplus of wreaths and arranged to have them laid on graves at Arlington National Cemetery. The tradition continued, largely unnoticed, until 2005, when a photo of the wreaths went viral online.

The attention led to an influx of funds and volunteers, and the project expanded. Today, more than 540,000 wreaths are laid at 900 locations in all 50 states and in cemeteries on foreign soil.
read more here

10,000 Wreaths For Sarasota National Cemetery

10,000 holiday wreaths to be placed on graves at Sarasota National Cemetery
Bradenton Herald
BY JAMES A. JONES JR.
November 21, 2014

Wreaths Across America holiday wreath-laying ceremonies have been held at Sarasota National Cemetery since its opening in 2009. Next month, Sarasota Military Academy students and local veterans will place the wreaths on Dec. 13, starting at 9:30 a.m., followed by a ceremony at 11:30 a.m. FILE PHOTO

BRADENTON -- Last year, 6,300 holiday wreaths were placed on grave sites at Sarasota National Cemetery.

This year, 10,000 will be needed to decorate each of the final resting places for veterans there.

Don Courtney, president of the Manatee Veterans Council, updated the group at the monthly meeting Thursday.

Sarasota National Cemetery opened in January 2009 and averages about 10 funeral services a day. Among the

Notable veterans at rest there is Tampa's Rick Casares, who served in the Army. Mr. Casares died last year. He was a star fullback at the University of Florida and played 12 years in the NFL with the Chicago Bears, Washington Redskins and Miami Dolphins.

Sarasota Military Academy students and local veterans will place the wreaths starting at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 13, followed by a ceremony at 11:30 a.m.
read more here

Boxes in closet had remains of 55 veterans in Ohio!

After ashes found, daughter asks: Who did I bury?
Associated Press
by LISA CORNWELL
Published: March 15, 2014

CINCINNATI — Dellaina Grundy isn't sure whether any of the cremated remains buried in her father's grave in a veterans cemetery are his, and she doesn't expect to ever know.

"I have had to move on, but it's something that will always be with me," Grundy said recently of the emotional pain from learning that a box of remains bearing her father's name had been found at a former funeral home director's house in Dayton.

The box with Leroy Metcalfe's name was among 55 boxes of cremated remains found there in 2012 - a decade after his family buried what they believed to be the Army veteran's ashes at Dayton National Cemetery

The Montgomery County coroner's office notified Grundy in September 2012 about the remains at a house co-owned by Scherrie McLin, former director of the funeral home that handled Metcalfe's 2002 burial.

Police said a contractor removing items from the foreclosed house found the boxes in a closet.
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Dead grass covers large sections of Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery

Veterans cemetery's unsightly grounds don't meet 'shrine standards'
LA Times
By Tony Perry
June 22, 2013

Dead grass covers large sections of Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery on Point Loma.
(San Diego Union-Tribune / June22, 2013)

SAN DIEGO -- For more than a century, the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery on Point Loma has been the final resting spot for many of the nation's military veterans.

The lush and well-tended grounds bespeak the honor and respect that the nation owes its veterans, many of whom fell in battle.

But for months, the cemetery has had large unsightly patches of dead or dying grass amid the 77 acres of graves.

A series of problems have caused large areas to be left with grass that is brown and wilting and altogether unsightly. In some areas, the problem is a broken irrigation system, in others the grass was intentionally killed to allow for a grave realignment.

"We're sincerely apologetic for any discomfort we've caused the families," said Bradley Phillips, an executive director for memorial services at the Department of Veterans Affairs. "We're working very hard to bring the cemetery up to shrine standards."

Some of the areas will be green again by August, but others will take months, he said.

The apparent slowness of the repairs has upset some family members, like Jill Millard, whose son, 22-year-old Army Cpl. Gregory Millard, was killed in Iraq in 2007.
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