VERO BEACH — From infants in strollers to veterans in their 90s, thousands of patriotic residents filled the Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary for the annual Memorial Day Ceremony to honor those members of the armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Memorial Island exists as a tribute from the community, fastidiously cared for by residents from Vero Beach, Sebastian, Fellsmere and Indian River County, to honor all branches of service and all veterans, especially those who served from Indian River County. A Sanctuary Committee chaired by Alma Lee Loy oversees the Island in cooperation with the Veteran’s Council of Indian River County.
The newest memorial, dedicated this spring to armed forces members who served from 1961 to 1975 is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Veterans Council president Col. Martin Zickert, USAF (Ret.), a 30-year Air Force veteran whose service began in Vietnam, presided over the ceremonies. Referencing Sunday night’s torrential downpours, Zickert gave special thanks to “the Guy above” for the perfect weather adding, “After last night I thought there was just going to be three of us here.”
Relating that he had lived for many years in foreign countries, Zickert noted how exceptional this country was, crediting the lifestyle and freedoms we enjoy to members of the armed forces, and paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Zickert recognized the dignitaries present, and presented plaques to Alma Lee Loy for her steadfast support of local veterans, and to Piper Michael Hyde, USMM for his continued fidelity as bagpiper at veterans’ commemorations and memorials.
As an abundance of flags snapped in the brisk offshore breeze, the crowd listened with pride while the Vero Beach High School Band, led by James Sammons, performed the National Anthem and a selection of patriotic songs.
“There are 18,000 to 20,000 veterans living in Indian River County; an astounding number considering the size of the county,” said Zickert, before recognizing attendant veterans and their families.
Prior to observing a moment of silence for all who died in service to their country, he extended sincere sympathy to the family of Rear Adm. Roland G. “Gil” Guilbault, who passed away last month after a lifetime of dedicated service to his country.
The Memorial Wreath was placed by the marker for Ronald Scott Owens, the most recent veteran from this area to be killed in action, who died while serving as an Electronics Warfare Technician on the USS Cole.
Keynote speaker Kurt Wallach, a local businessman who trained in Fort Pierce and served in the Navy in Panama and the Pacific during World War II, spoke of the “unselfish sacrifice” of those who died defending and safeguarding our way of life.
Wallach also took the opportunity to honor the crews of the LCVPs (Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel), commenting that although their heroics are seldom mentioned, their bravery was deserving of special recognition.
“Members of the armed forces fought to create this nation that all of us call home,” concluded Wallach. “We are a free people because of the lives which we honor today. It is imperative that each of us remember these soldiers and their sacrifice.”
