Local Veterans to commemorate Veterans Day
Local veterans from both Amvets Post 50 and Post 81 will be commemorating Veterans Day in different ways.
At Post 50 on Laurel Lane, there will be a full program open to any Veteran member who holds a valid card, including Amvets, Legion, VFW or VA Card, or they can be signed in by a member.
The event will start at 11 a.m. with a ceremony and guest speakers, followed by a family and friends celebration, including karaoke with “Mr. Bill” and a hog roast. There will be raffles, door prizes and games.
Officials at Amvets Post 50 include Commander Mel Hammock; Chairperson of the Events Committee Mitch Andrews; Trustee Chairman and Head Canteen Manager Bruce Cook; Honor Guard Member Barb Trayes; Son’s Financial Officer Bill Trayes and Chaplain and Service Officer Mike Montgomery.
Montgomery will be the Master of Ceremonies for the event. He is U.S. Navy, retired.
“Thirty-seven years,” he said. “On Veterans Day itself the program will include many things, the singing of the national anthem, an opening prayer, introduction of our Post Commander and distinguished veteran guests, and a Veterans Day speech that will recognize all military services.”
“We welcome all veteran and patrons,” said Andrews. “You don’t have to be a member to attend but you have to have a card or be signed in by a member.”
“It’s the biggest event of the year,” said Hammock. “We celebrate Veterans and Memorial Day differently. Memorial Day is more serious, when we celebrate the lives of deceased and all veterans.”
He said the Veterans Day event include a more solemn ceremony in the beginning, then veterans and their families can enjoy memories and company in a lighter mood, with the hog roast, raffles and games.
“The day represents all veterans, especially those who have fought in foreign wars. I just appreciate everything the veterans have done for our country,” said Cook.
“We are posting colors and standing guard until the ceremony is over,” said Trayes.
She got involved with the guard as an auxiliary member.
“I’m extremely proud to be part of the Honor Guard,” she said.
Husband Bill Trayes said he got involved with Amvets because of his father.
“My dad was a WWII veteran, decorated, with a Purple Heart and three Silver Stars. He was recently honored with the Legion d’honneur in Boston,” he said. “He just turned 92.”
A private ceremony will be held at Buccaneer Estates with the Honor Guard from Amvets Post 81.
“It’s a Buccaneer event to honor veterans,” said organizer Al Pierolo. “The Honor Guard of Amvet Post 81 will lead a parade and honor veterans by firing of rifles.”
Always a large event at the community, Pierolo added, “We will also feature the marching band from Dunbar High School.”
“Freedom is not free,” said Honor Guard Capt. Walter Ahmed of why he donates so much of his time to the guard that does so many functions in the area.
“We appreciate the American citizens that participate in our functions,” he said.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office V.O.I.C.E. Unit will be on hand.
“We will also have a vintage 1915 LeFrance open cab fire truck on display. After a brief ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Fountain we will enjoy a picnic,” he said.
Local veterans and Honor Guard members that helped dedicate Buccaneer’s Veterans Memorial Garden include Pierolo, Dennis Densmore, Ahmad, L. Jack Waddel, Carole Ahmad, Jerry Cavender, Ellen LaRochelle, Sondra Waddel, Pierolo, Tom Schroat, Pat Schroat and Gary G.W. Blanton.
“The Honor Guard will also honor veterans at Pine Lakes,” said Densmore, an Honor Guard member. “The Honor Guard is always available memorial services for deceased veterans. We will also be commemorating Pearl Harbor Day in the future.”
Amvets Post 50 is located at 2705 Garden St., off Laurel Lane. Amvets Post 81 is located at 1910 N. Tamiami Trail.