VERO BEACH — The Vero Beach Memorial Day Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary, hosted by the Veterans Council of Indian River County, drew a large crowd of roughly 2,000 people to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
“I think this is the most people I have seen here in recent years,” said Vero Beach Recreation Director Rob Slezak, who noted that the Memorial Day Commemoration generally has the highest attendance of any the events held at Memorial Island.
Attendees of all ages, dressed in red, white and blue, were greeted by music at the entrance by the Master’s Academy Fife & Drum Corp. and later enjoyed more patriotic songs by the Vero Beach High School Band during the ceremony. More than 20 member organizations attended in uniform as did most of the county’s elected officials.
Keynote speaker, retired United States Air Force Lieutenant General Thomas McInerney, was well received as he related his stance on standing up for America. McInerny and his wife, who are considering moving to Vero Beach, said he was happy to speak at the event.
“I love Vero Beach. It is fantastic that all these people came out today,” said the three-star general, a Fox News contributor and analyst. “It is nice to see everyone celebrate Memorial Day to honor those who gave their lives so they could be here. I can’t tell you how impressed I am with all the people who have showed up, and with what they have done with this wonderful ceremony here in Vero Beach.”
McInerney had the crowd on their feet as he asked them to honor the 1.3 million soldiers who have lost their lives for the country by standing up for our country against the radical Islamic jihadism ideology threatening our freedoms.
