HONORING THEIR SACRIFICE

West Orange and Southwest Orange municipalities hosted four different ceremonies for Memorial Day.

Communities in West Orange and Southwest Orange honored those who paid the ultimate price in four different Memorial Day ceremonies. For the first time since COVID-19, Ocoee leaders gathered to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, those who have served and those who are currently serving their country in an emotional ceremony Thursday, May 25, at the Ocoee Lakeshore Center. The ceremony featured keynote speaker retired U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Daila Espeut-Jones.

Woodlawn Memorial Park hosted its 73rd annual Memorial Day Ceremony Monday, May 29. This year’s event included three keynote speakers — Orange County Sheriff John Mina, retired U.S. Army Col. Calvin Wimbish and U.S. Air Force retired veteran David Pierce. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office Color Guard and Windermere High School

JROTC presented the colors, while the Scouts USA Troop 210 (Winter Garden) led the presentation of colors and performed the tolling of the Liberty Bell. The Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard performed the rifle volley, and the Orlando Concert Band performed a variety of patriotic tunes throughout the event.

The city of Winter Garden came together to host a beautiful ceremony in honor of Memorial Day, Monday, May 29, at Veterans Memorial Park. The service was kicked off by Kurt Gies, commander of American Legion Post 62, who gave a welcome speech before introducing Winter Garden Mayor John Rees and U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster. A color guard, comprising members from the Winter Garden Police Department and the Winter Garden Fire & Rescue Department, presented the colors. The event also included words from the Rev. John Harris and guest speaker Austin Arthur.

Finally, citizens in the town of Windermere gathered in front of Town Hall for an observance Monday, May 29. The service, hosted by the Rotary Club of Windermere, honored those who gave their lives for the country. The event began with the voices of the Girl Scouts of Citrus and was followed by an invocation from the Rev. Brad Jagger and the presentation of colors by the Sea Cadets Lone Sailor Division.