FELLSMERE – Residents and veterans gathered along County Road 512 near Broadway Street at the city’s Veterans Memorial early Monday morning to remember those who gave their lives while serving their country.
“Some were husbands, wives, fathers or mothers,” said Amercican Legion Post 189 Commander Andy Westerfield, reading from American Legion National Commander Clarence Hill’s speech. “All left a nation that is in their debt.”
About 60 people turned out to the ceremony, waving small American flags provided by the Exchange Club.
“So today, on this most sacred day, we pause to reflect on what has been given and sacrificed,” Westerfield continued. “Let us never forget. But let us also remember what resulted from these sacrifices. Let us remember the terrorist plots that were foiled and the killers that have been brought to justice because Americans were willing to pay the price. Let us remember the tyrannical regimes that have been toppled and the genocides that were stopped because Americans sacrificed life and limb. Let us remember that without a U.S. military, the world would be a far more oppressive and darker place.”
“Freedom is not a gift,” Westerfield read. “It is an earned benefit that was paid for by the blood of our heroes. From the Revolutionary War to the War on Terrorism, the sacrifices and caliber of America’s fighting men and women have been nothing short of inspirational.”
The ceremony included the reading of “Old Glory” and “A Veteran Died Today,” and concluded with a moment of silence for fallen soldiers and a three-shot salute from the Sebastian Area Veterans Honor Guard.
Three wreaths were placed at the Fellsmere Veterans Memorial, including a red, white and blue one from the American Legion, another with red, white and blue carnations, and a third with red, white and yellow flowers from the Sons of the American Legion.
The ceremony was sponsored by both the Fellsmere Lions Club and the City of Fellsmere and concluded with refreshments at the Fellsmere Community Center.
Fellsmere Lions Club member Polly Coe said the organization would like to thank Winn-Dixie for providing the orange juice and pastries at the Community Center, and the City of Fellsmere for providing the fruit.