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U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) Chaplain Col. Christopher Dickey, who became a chaplain in 1999, addressed the crowd during a period of solemn reflection. Dickey emphasized that the true heroes extend beyond the fallen service members to the families who survive them.<\/p>\n
“I’ve been privileged and honored to do several funerals of service members both down range and back home,” Dickey said. “They’re the true heroes. They gave, as President Lincoln said ‘their full measure of devotion.'”<\/p>\n
MacDill Honor Guard presented the colors along with doing a salute and taps in honor of those who have served.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“They served for their teammates on their left and their right, giving the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” Dickey said. “So we could live and we could enjoy the freedoms of today and everyday.”<\/p>\n
The downtown event, co-organized by the Friends of the Riverwalk and attended by Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, drew locals who paused their daily routines like runs or walking their dog to observe a moment of silence.<\/p>\n
For some organizers and attendees, the mission of the day was deeply personal. Courtney Robinson, 10 Tampa Bay News anchor represented one of hundreds of Gold Star families in the Tampa Bay area during the ceremony. Her father,\u00a0Lieutenant Colonel Craig Robinson<\/a> died while serving the country in 1994.<\/p>\n “For many families, Memorial Day really is everyday,” Robinson said. “There is not a moment that goes by that they don’t think about the loved one they wish was here. So to be able to stop and show your gratitude for their loved ones ultimate sacrifice is really powerful.”<\/p>\n Civic leaders echoed the sentiment, noting the profound impact of the region’s military presence, particularly with MacDill Air Force Base. Speakers throughout the day remarked that it is both an honor and a privilege to serve within the Tampa community.<\/p>\n “Think about what these people have given,” said Keith Greminger, board chair for Friends of the Riverwalk<\/a>. “We should remember them. They’ve given the ultimate sacrifice. We’re so blessed to have MacDill here. To be able to support an event like this. Everyone should remember it’s Memorial Day.”<\/p>\n