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REMEMBERING THOSE WHO MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE
Dear Editor:
Please allow me to thank the Upper Keys Weekly for their publication of our Memorial Day ceremony. The audience was eager to be treated to a solemn and uplifting event. The many parts of this ceremony were brilliantly and spectacularly carried out in every detail.
They included extraordinary performances by the United States Coast Guard Honor Guard, Islamorada Station; Scout Troop 912; Florida Keys Community Concert Band and maestro Robert Sax; scout orator Zack Woltanski; singer Kathy Miller; bugler Hurbert; Airborne Ranger Sgt. Brian Mundey, flag presenter; Gold Star recipient and keynote speaker Chuck Elllsworth; speaker Sandi Bisceglia; and VFW chaplain Tim Link.
Cathy Crane, Monroe County director of veterans affairs, the tech support of Leonardo Morin and Jethon Williams, along with veterans service officer Kevin Perham, were logistically brilliant and steadfast, while laying the bedrock upon which this event rested. Without the guidance and leadership of our State Attorney and VFW Post 10211 Commander Dennis Ward, this Memorial Day Ceremony would not have been kept relevant and operational.
American Legion Islamorada Post 145, with their decorated military vehicle, remains a groundwork of patriotic fervor, forever availing themselves in service to their country and community.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies, Key Largo Fire/Rescue and Truck Ladder Company under the direction of Chief Don Bock, law-enforcement agencies and first responders across the board; we thank you for your support and service to our county.
The Memorial Day videos presented were breathtaking and heart-wrenching, reminding us of the depths of the sacrifices endured by our veterans killed in action.
David Kay’s devotion and determination to memorialize our Memorial Day proceeding will be forever remembered, never forgotten and always appreciated. Thank you so very much.
John Donnelly, Purple Heart recipient Key Largo
