- April 25, 2024
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Palm Coast Fire Department Honor Guard member and driver engineer Patrick Shakes helps World War II veteran Frank Fonte to the memorial. Photo by Paige Wilson
The Coastal Florida Police & Fire Pipes & Drums enter the ceremony. Photo by Paige Wilson
Palm Coast Mayor Milissa Holland is the master of ceremonies. Photo by Paige Wilson
Veterans salute during the presentation of the colors. Photo by Paige Wilson
Guests throughout the audience hold American flags. Photo by Paige Wilson
Congressman Michael Waltz, District 6, was one of the guest speakers. He was a Lt. Col. in the U.S. Army in Afghanistan and still serves in the U.S. National Guard. Photo by Paige Wilson
Palm Coast Fire Department Honor Guard member and driver engineer Patrick Shakes presents a wreath during the ceremony. Photo by Paige Wilson
The Palm Coast Honor Guard presents the colors. Photo by Paige Wilson
Gold Star mother Carmen Stanford lays a rose at the memorial. Photo by Paige Wilson
Guest speaker Major Neal McCoppin, U.S. Marine Corp. retired, is the chairman of Flagler County Veterans Advisory Council. Photo by Paige Wilson
World War II veteran Frank Fonte and Palm Coast Fire Department Honor Guard member and driver engineer Patrick Shakes salute the memorial. Photo by Paige Wilson
Gold Star mother Cathy Heighter takes a moment at the memorial in reflection. Photo by Paige Wilson
Palm Coast Fire Department Honor Guard member plays Taps next to a member of the Marine Corps League Detachment 876. Photo by Paige Wilson
A veteran salutes the memorial. Photo by Paige Wilson
The Community Chorus of Palm Coast sing "Unsung Hero," followed by "God Bless America." Photo by Paige Wilson
Eddie Morris, of theDAV Chapter 86. Photo by Paige Wilson
Just as the sun broke through the morning clouds, the sound of the Coastal Florida Police & Fire Pipes & Drums broke the silence at the packed Heroes Memorial Park during the presentation of the colors with Matanzas High School JROTC.
The city of Palm Coast’s annual Memorial Day ceremony was held the morning of Monday, May 27.
Congressman Michael Waltz, District 6, was one of the guest speakers. He was a Lt. Col. in the U.S. Army in Afghanistan and still serves in the U.S. National Guard.
“As I was sitting here, I was reflecting and remembering one of the reasons why I love this particular Memorial Day monument — because you also recognize the sacrifices of our first responders,” Waltz said. "In addition to the six soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines, we also have our law enforcement memorial and we have our fire and rescue memorial.”
Palm Coast Mayor Milissa Holland said it was important to especially remember local heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
“These braves souls were sons and brothers, friends and neighbors,” Holland said. “They raised their hand in the defense of this nation. They are the heroes who paid with their own lives our freedom. As we mourn and grieve today, let us remember the words of President Lincoln as he dedicated the first national ceremony, when he said, 'It is for us, the living, rather to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they have, thus far, so nobly carried on.’”
Guest speaker Major Neal McCoppin, U.S. Marine Corp. retired, is the chairman of Flagler County Veterans Advisory Council.
“We remember their sacrifices on a daily basis and never forget,” McCoppin said. “We support our military veterans and assure their health and welfare is provided for properly.”
