Buccaneer Estates Veterans, residents continue tradition
Veterans and residents of Buccaneer Estates continued the tradition of honoring veterans on Memorial Day, and said they have plans to continue the ceremonies on mjor military holidays.
This Memorial Day, more than 100 residents turned out for a program at the park’s Memorial Garden.
Jo Scofield was the master of ceremonies at the event, with the Amvets Post 81 Honor Guard posting the colors to start the day. Honor Guard members included Denver Harris, Doug Robeson, Dennis Densmore, Walter Ahmad and Al Peirolo.
“This is another function at Buccaneer to pay our respects for those who fought for us and died for us,” said veteran Peirolo, who was also a speaker.
Deacon Jack Mulvey was the first speaker, followed by Henry Esen, a POW who spoke about his experiences in service.
Richard Kulies sang “Amazing Grace,” and Phyllis Pugh and Walter Ahmad presented a memorial wreath.
“Memorial Day is for those who were lost in acion,” said speaker John Stebbins, with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. “All gave some, and some gave all.”
Don Gill also spoke.
Resident Judy Bartok sang “God Bless America” for the event. “I’ve had loved ones I lost, and this is a hard time for many,” she said.
As with all the events, a ceremonial cannon was fired, and a buglar played taps. Canonners were Tom Vallone and Daniel Bichorst, who wore historical dress.
Buccaneer has a a long history of hosting the events and will hold their next in the fall.
Paver bricks with names of veterans are installed in the park’s Memorial Garden. For information on installing a brick for a veteran, call Peirolo at call 656-1685.