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ISLAMORADA RECOGNIZES VETERANS’ SACRIFICES

Scouts, local dignitaries and community honor those who served

Islamorada Fire Rescue invited dignitaries, Boy Scouts and the public to its annual Veterans Day ceremony at Station 20 on Nov. 11. Attendees took a moment to honor the men and women who served, as well as those who continue to protect the country and its freedoms during times of war and peace. Carlos Moreton, Islamorada Fire Rescue lieutenant, emceed the ceremonies. American Legion Post 145 members, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts with Troop 914, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and village officials were among the attendees. — Weekly staff report

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1. Local veterans mostly with American Legion Post 145 Islamorada stand to be recognized.

2. Guests participate in prayer during a Veteran's Day Ceremony.

3. Boy Scouts of America Troop 914 and Cub Scout Pack 914 gather for the start of a Veteran’s Day Ceremony.

4. Kenneth Knudsen with American Legion Post 145 Islamorada.

5. Paster Tony Hammond, at far right, chats with American Legion Post 145 Islamorada members Kenneth Knudsen, at left, and Larry Decaso, at center, before a Veteran's Day ceremony.

DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

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DEFENDERS OF FREEDOM

Chapters Health Hospice recognizes veterans during pinning ceremony in Key Largo

Chapters Health Hospice in the Keys spent Veterans Day honoring nine local veterans with special pins and other gifts during a ceremony at American Legion Post 333 in Key Largo. A nonprofit hospice care organization, its valor program recognizes military veterans through a variety of services, which include peer-to-peer emotional support, special needs accommodations, end-of-life wish granting and recognition through ceremonies. Vivian Dodge, executive director of Chapters Health Hospice in the Keys, said the hospice organization cares for individuals with life-limited illness and supports friends and family through the journey. “The purpose of our valor program is to recognize and acknowledge our veterans and extend our appreciation and gratitude for the service and the sacrifice made by you, our dear veterans,” Dodge said. “I am honored to stand before you today to celebrate all that you are, all that you have given in service of this nation. It’s a privilege to be here acknowledging the contributions to the freedom that you made.” Each veteran was presented a pin, a star from a retired flag and a challenge coin. Veterans’ spouses were also acknowledged for their support. — Jim McCarthy

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1. Vivian Dodge, executive director of Chapters Health Hospice in the Keys, acknowledges Army veteran Jim Schmeiser.

2. Claude Bullock, Army veteran, is pinned during the ceremony. Bullock has also served the last 25 years in the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

3. Dennis Ellis, Marines veteran, is pinned.

4. Vivian Dodge recognizes Army veteran John Daybeck.

5. Nine veterans are honored for their service to the country during a ceremony by Chapters Health Hospice in the Keys.

ST. JAMES STUDENTS PREPARE BAGS FOR LOCAL VETERANS

St. James Children's Center students decorated 40 bags and wrote "thank-you" cards to veterans, and St. James the Fisherman Episcopal Church filled the bags with toiletry items and goodies for Veterans Day. They were distributed at the Veterans Day Ceremony at the Murray Nelson Center on Nov. 11. The children create bags every year to thank veterans for their service to the country. ST. JAMES THE FISHERMAN/Contributed

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Our American Legion Post 145 Islamorada would like to recognize and thank Evan Bedford and the Ace Hardware family in Tavernier for their loyal and generous support of Post 145. For our recent Veterans Day visit to the Crystal Rehabilitation, Evan provided an ample supply of beautiful American flags. During our visit, we were able to give a flag to each of the veterans as well as to family members of vets who were visiting their loved ones. The Ace Hardware family has a history of supporting local veterans and Post 145 is grateful.

Please stop by Ace Hardware to thank Evan and his family for their support of the local veteran community. And thanks to Post 145 Brian Sayre for fostering this wonderful relationship.

Kim Dipre

American Legion Post 145 Islamorada

Boy Scout Troop 912 presents the colors during the Veterans Day ceremony at the Murray Nelson Government Center on Nov. 11. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

CEREMONIES HONOR THE SACRIFICE FOR FREE COUNTRY

Words are inadequate in describing the magnificent performances given by the United States Coast Guard Honor Guard, school band, singers, flag bearers and safety patrol during the Key Largo School Veterans Day Ceremony on Nov. 11. Under the extraordinary leadership and direction of principal Darren Pais, band director Susan Bazin and event organizer Oksana Gilbertson, a breathtaking and brilliant performance was created and coordinated flawlessly, for the enormous gathering of parents, veterans and families that filled the auditorium for this special occasion.

The following day at the Upper Keys Government Center another Veterans Day observance was conducted. A Scout honor guard from Troop 912 under the leadership of Ariel Poholek gathered and provided the large audience that had gathered with a spectacular presentation of the colors. These Scouts performed their duties in an absolutely magnificent manner. Next, our Keys Community Concert Band under the direction of Bazin performed beautiful melodies for our audience. Everyone commented on the wonder and joy this band brought into their lives. They played the Armed Forces Medley, as our student flag bearers marched onto the stage and placed their flags into the appropriate holder, while their particular military anthem was being played.

The two powerfully potent videos shared with the audience, via the technical direction of Leonardo Morin and Xenia Leonteva, were riveting and compelling. County Veterans Director Cathy Crane, along with her deputy James Carey and VA service officer Kevin Perham made this presentation possible. State Attorney and VFW Post 10211 Commander Dennis Ward's leadership has been crucial and instrumental in maintaining and continuing to make this event available for our community.

Colonel Lou Caputo and Captain Spenser Bryan, along with Key Largo Fire Department and first responders were in the audience. County Commissioners Holly Raschein and Michelle Lincoln also honored us with their presence. School board member Sue Woltanski provided us with inspirational support from her front row seat. Thank you for making this a wonderful event.