Buccaneer Estates continues Veterans Day tradition
Residents of Buccaneer Estates continued the tradition of honoring those who have, or are, serving our country in the military on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
The event included as in past years the appearance of the Amvets Honor Guard, a parade featuring local police and firefighters and many in patriotically decorated golf carts.
This year there was a new tradition. Instead of speeches by local veterans, all veterans were invited to take the microphone and give their name, branch of service and where and when they served. Many lined up to take place in that forum.
The North Fort Myers Fire Department and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office North Substation took part in the parade.
“This is a day for all veterans from World War I, World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam to the Gulf War and Afghanistan – all veterans,” said Amvets Honor Guard member Dennis Densmore.
Amvets Honor Guard participants included Densmore, Walter Ahmad, L. Jack Waddell, Carole Ahmad, Doug Robeson, Ellen LaRochelle and Al Peirolo. Current members also include Jim Scofield and Ed Tucker.
The honor guard then went to Shell Point to take part in that community’s Veterans Day event.
The community holds ceremonies on most military holidays throughout the year at its Veterans Memorial Garden, which has an American flag, a fountain and paver bricks noting the names of many who have served their country.
Deacon Jack Mulvey gave the invocation. Resident Judy Bartok was also part of the ceremony and Uncle Sam was portrayed by Marty Coakley.
Women’s Auxiliary members that arrived in patriotically decorated golf carts included Becky Fitzgerald, Sue Austin, Genie Pursell, Monica Vallone and Carole Ahmed.
For information on installing a brick for a veteran, call Peirolo at 656-1685.
For information on the Amvets Honor Guard, call Waddell at 849-0112 or 656-4088.