Dozens of Windermere residents gathered outside Windermere Town Hall to honor those in the military who have given their lives for freedom.
Windermere Town Council member and veteran Tony Davit said the Memorial Day Observance Monday, May 25, was personal to everyone in the town, honoring residents such as U.S. Army 1st Lt. Evan Fitzgibbon, who died during a Ranger School weather-induced training exercise.
Davit thanks the families of those who have served as well.
“Their sacrifice will never be forgotten and the community stands beside you with gratitude and respect,” Davit said to the families.
The observance included an invocation by Windermere Police Department Chaplain Andy Jones, Lone Sailor Division Cadets conducting the presentation of the colors, U.S. Air Force retired Col. Mark Stephen serving as the keynote speaker, Windermere Lone Sailor Division’s Donell Vasara playing taps and The First Academy’s Taylor Haynes singing the national anthem, “America the Beautiful” and “God Bless the U.S.A.”