- April 26, 2024
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Retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. John Higgins, U.S. Coast Guard Reserves Cmdr. Anita Williams, OMAM Board of Directors President Audrey Butler and Ormond Beach Mayor Bill Partington. Photo by Alexis Miller
U.S. Coast Guard Reserves Cmdr. Anita Williams said she was inspired to serve in the military after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Photo by Alexis Miller
The Daytona Beach Choral Society greets guests with songs. Photo by Alexis Miller
The Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Joint Color Guard present the colors. Photo by Alexis Miller
The Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Joint Color Guard presents the flag for the pledge of allegiance. Photo by Alexis Miller
Retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. John Higgins, U.S. Coast Guard Reserves Cmdr. Anita Williams, OMAM Board of Directors President Audrey Butler, and Ormond Beach Mayor Bill Partington salute the flag during the pledge. Photo by Alexis Miller
Ormond Beach Mayor Bill Partington delivers the Veteran's Day proclamation. Photo by Alexis Miller
OMAM Board of Directors President Audrey Butler introduces the keynote speakers. Photo by Alexis Miller
Retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. John Higgins served for 30 years before he retired in December 2000. Photo by Alexis Miller
Retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. John Higgins earned his wings in July 1982 in Texas. Photo by Alexis Miller
OMAM employees give flags and thank you cards to veterans. Photo by Alexis Miller
The artwork displayed inside OMAM was courtesy of Hope4Veterans, a nonprofit organization for females in the military, active duty and veterans. Photo by Alexis Miller
One of Hope4Veterans' displays showed women in the military. Photo by Alexis Miller
Ormond Memorial Art Museum hosted its annual Veteran’s Day tribute on Saturday, Nov. 11.
Audrey Butler, president of the OMAM board of directors, welcomed attendees with an opening speech and introduced the Ormond Beach Mayor Bill Partington to give the Veteran’s Day proclamation.
“We pay tribute to the fallen, the missing, the wounded, the millions who served and the millions more who awaited their return,” Partington said, “Our nation stands stronger for their service, and we honor their proud legacy with our deepest gratitude.”
The Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Joint Color Guard presented the flag for the pledge of allegiance, led by Ormond Beach Police Chief and US Army veteran Jesse Godfrey, and for the presentation of colors.
Performances by the Daytona Beach Choral Society welcomed guests as they entered and honored each branch of veterans at the end of the ceremony with the United States Armed Forces Medley.
The guest speakers were U.S. Coast Guard Reserves Cmdr. Anita Williams and retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. John Higgins, who spoke about their time in the military.
“In the wake of devastation and destruction of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, I felt compelled to serve my country and to share my personal and professional passions for law enforcement and to become more involved with special response and recovery to help the future of mercy disaster management,” Williams said, “I give this really quick glimpse of what motivated me to dedicate my life to what I believe is something greater than myself.”
Williams recently retired from her career as an alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and explosives special agent for the U.S. Department of Justice.
“Veteran’s Day isn’t just for veterans," she said. "It’s a day for all Americans to remember why they were fighting, a day for all of us to begin our journey, for protecting our freedom and the freedom of many generations to come."
Higgins started his journey in the Navy in September 1969 and trained as an aviation machinist mate. He later began learning how to fly after being reassigned ad earned his wings in July 1982. In December 2000, he retired after 30 years of service. Higgins now helps out at the Military Officers Association of Halifax, a group for retired officers and veterans.
After the ceremony, guests were invited back to the museum for refreshments and appetizers, complements of the Pilot Club of Daytona Beach and to enjoy the artwork displayed by Hope4Veterans.
Hope4Veterans is a nonprofit organization that helps military women through education and mentoring to prevent isolation, homelessness, and from developing mental health issues.
Williams stressed her gratitude for honoring veterans at the ceremony.
“Thank you for honoring our veterans today and let’s walk toward tomorrow still honoring them by living and defending the freedom they protected, remembering their great deeds and salute those who are currently fighting for freedom," Williams said. "Find your purpose to live for something greater than yourself."
