- December 12, 2025
Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Kimberley Ramos lays white and red carnations during the memorial flower succession at the city's Memorial Day remembrance service at Rockefeller Gardens on Monday, May 27. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Jim Schoeberl and other members of the American Legion Post #267 at the city's Memorial Day remembrance service at Rockefeller Gardens on Monday, May 27. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Prior Armed Forces members salute the flag at the city's Memorial Day remembrance service at Rockefeller Gardens on Monday, May 27. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Mayor Bill Partington delivers the proclamation during the city's Memorial Day remembrance service at Rockefeller Gardens on Monday, May 27. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Tim Rock was among those who attended the city's Memorial Day remembrance service at Rockefeller Gardens on Monday, May 27. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Kimberley Ramos delivers her speech during the city's Memorial Day remembrance service at Rockefeller Gardens on Monday, May 27. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Army veterans Allen Rozier, Phil Call and Gil Blais during the city's Memorial Day remembrance service at Rockefeller Gardens on Monday, May 27. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Air Force veteran and former mayor Fred Costello stands for recognition among other veterans during the city's Memorial Day remembrance service at Rockefeller Gardens on Monday, May 27. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Rolf Mattar, of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, lays a ceremonial wreath with other former Armed Forces service members and two boy scouts during the city's Memorial Day remembrance service at Rockefeller Gardens on Monday
Rolf Mattar, of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, salutes the wreath with two boy scouts during the city's Memorial Day remembrance service at Rockefeller Gardens on Monday, May 27. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
A second wreath is laid during the city's Memorial Day remembrance service at Rockefeller Gardens on Monday, May 27. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
A second wreath is laid during the city's Memorial Day remembrance service at Rockefeller Gardens on Monday, May 27. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Lawrence Scovotto rings the bell during the city's Memorial Day remembrance service at Rockefeller Gardens on Monday, May 27. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Rolf Mattar, of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, and Beverly West of the Captain James Ormond Chapter of the DAR, salute during the city's Memorial Day remembrance service at Rockefeller Gardens on Monday, May 27.
Oliver Meegan waves flags during the city's Memorial Day remembrance service at Rockefeller Gardens on Monday, May 27. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Bernie Navarra lays a carnation down during the city's Memorial Day remembrance service at Rockefeller Gardens on Monday, May 27. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Mick Mazzoni lays a carnation down the city's Memorial Day remembrance service at Rockefeller Gardens on Monday, May 27. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Former City Commissioner Rick Boehm lays a carnation down during the city's Memorial Day remembrance service at Rockefeller Gardens on Monday, May 27. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Volusia County Councilwoman Heather Post lays a carnation down during the city's Memorial Day remembrance service at Rockefeller Gardens on Monday, May 27. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Residents lay carnations down during the city's Memorial Day remembrance service at Rockefeller Gardens on Monday, May 27. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Rockefeller Gardens was filled with the notes of John Philip Sousa's march, "The Stars and Stripes Forever," as people laid red and white carnations down to remember fallen soldiers at this year's Memorial Day remembrance service on Monday, March 27.
Presented by the city of Ormond Beach, the service paid tribute to those who died while serving in the Armed Forces. The service featured a musical performance by the Daytona Beach Concert Band, a wreath laying and ringing of the eight bells, traditionally performed after a sailor's death.
“Our commission, our staff and our residents love veterans and particularly we love honoring the family and friends of veterans on Memorial Day," said Mayor Bill Partington before issuing the city's proclamation for the service.
This year's guest speaker was Col. Kimberley Ramos, who retired from the Air Force after 30 years of service. She said said the Memorial Day services held across the U.S. demonstrate appreciation for the sacrifice of fallen soldiers.
“We attempt to repay that debt by ensuring they did not give their lives in vain — by continuing to stride toward the ideals set forth by our founders," Ramos said.
On this day, she remembered Lt. Col. Kevin Shea, a Marine who died on his 38th birthday in 2004 by enemy rocket fire in Iraq.
Ramos said Shea taught her to see the world with "endless opportunity." He didn't know the impact he had on her life before he died, and Ramos said he'll never know.
“I encourage you," Ramos said. "Share a war hero story today."
