\u201cA lot of moments in my life I couldn\u2019t have gotten through without them. They definitely gave me the motivation and inspiration to do my best. And they still give me strength. Just the memory of them.\u201d <\/p>\n
Even though Angelique and Gavin weren\u2019t veterans, John Pantoja, the president of Veterans Events Tallahassee, which organizes the parade, said it was important to him and his organization to ensure they were honored. <\/p>\n
\u201cJust with the way veterans operate, we already knew it was the right thing to do,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
This year, the Rickards High School band was featured first in the parade in Gavin\u2019s honor. <\/p>\n
Mark said Gavin was incredibly goal oriented and knew exactly what he wanted to do with his life. He planned to marry his long-term high school girlfriend, attend either FSU or FAMU and be a jazz musician. Mark said Gavin had just finished filling out his college applications a few days before the crash.(FAMU Marching 100)<\/p>\n
Mark Witmer said he greatly appreciates how the community has continued to come together since the passing of his wife and son. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s really touching just how the community has come together over this,\u201d he said. \u201cLoss just reminds you of those things that bring you solidarity as a people and how much we need each other to get through these things in life.\u201d <\/p>\n
![\"Angelique](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/RMMAXG67TFBSBJ3OV4VE73MZJM.jpg\")
Angelique Witmer and her husband, Mark Witmer. Mark described his wife as a rare and phenomenal woman who gave her whole heart to the things she cared about, whether it was her work, her family or her wide range of passions.(Mark Witmer)<\/p>\n
The Rickards band also honored Gavin\u2019s love for music by playing his favorite song during their parade performance. <\/p>\n
The Witmer family was also surprised to be gifted a challenge coin \u2014 a symbol of respect and an acknowledgment of sacrifice or dedication. <\/p>\n
The Witmer family has organized a GoFundMe <\/a>in hopes of creating a memorial scholarship for seniors in the Rickards High School Marching Band.<\/p>\n So far, just over $13,000 has been raised, and 102 people have donated to the fundraiser.<\/p>\n To keep up with the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, Nextdoor<\/a> <\/a>and X<\/a> (Twitter<\/a>).<\/p>\n Have a news tip or see an error? Write to us here<\/a>. Please include the article\u2019s headline in your message.<\/p>\n Be the first to see all the biggest headlines by downloading the WCTV News app. Click here<\/a> to get started.<\/p>\n Copyright 2025 WCTV. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n