Michael and Bethany Fortunato. PHOTO BY JOSHUA KODIS

Members of the World War II Tribute team invited supporters to the home of Bethany and Michael Fortunato for a presentation about the monument and a tasting of a new 21 Salute “The Greatest Generation” Limited Edition Bourbon Whiskey, offered by 21st Amendment Distillery owner Jeff Palleschi.

All proceeds from the sale of this special bourbon will go toward the long-overdue World War II Tribute to be built on Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary. The project is co-chaired by Carroll Oates and Tony Young, who lead a WWII Tribute committee composed of fellow Military Officers of America Association members Terry Treat and John Michael Matthews, along with Barbara Ruddy, Bethany Formosa and architect Jeff Ray.

The committee explained the significance and urgency of tribute, as the window is closing to honor the service of WWII veterans and those who never made it home with a lasting legacy. Similarly, MOAA members were responsible for erecting the World War I “Dixie Doughboy” statue on Memorial Island, dedicated on Veterans Day 2021.

Rather than a traditional monument, this tribute will be a permanent Parade Reviewing Stand to replace the temporary stages brought in for ceremonies.

As a military organization, MOAA is limited by the amount of donations it can accept annually, so contributions to the project are being funneled through the Cultural Council of Indian River County.

“The Cultural Council has been our bank, which has been a blessing for us. Not only are they the fiscal responsibility for us, but they also have helped get the message out to the broader community,” said Young.

Equally important, numerous businesses, including architects, surveyors and engineers, have contributed in-kind contributions. And artists Sharon Sexton and Glenda Taylor are going to create tilework on the platform, representing the various Campaign Ribbons and other tributes.

“It’s going to be the centerpiece of the island,” said Oates. “It will be a work of art that will be like nowhere else in the United States. It will be phenomenal.”

Palleschi, a former Marine, said that along with producing whiskey and other spirits, the distillery will be offering employment so people can support their families.

“I want to be a place in our community where people can gather, talk, tell stories, laugh, love and enjoy a good cocktail. That’s the mission. I want to help downtown thrive. And probably one of the most important things is to support, honor and remember all veterans who gave their futures for ours,” said Palleschi.

All proceeds from the sale of the first batch of 250 bottles will go toward the World War II memorial, and an Honor Wall at the distillery will recognize 76 veterans, referencing the year 1776.

A Cigar for Freedom program will match the sale of their branded cigar purchases by sending cigars to troops on bases. And bracelets they made representing service branches are being sold at John Michael Matthews Fine Jewelry, with proceeds benefiting local veterans organizations.

Stills will be named after two individuals who lost their lives in service to our country. One is being named after Cpl. Dale J. Kridlo, USA, who was killed in action in Afghanistan, and the other after Capt. Jennifer Harris, USMC, a pilot whose helicopter was shot down in Al Anbar province, Iraq.

“You know we will never forget their sacrifice ever,” said Palleschi. “Please consider purchasing a bottle of 21 Salute, the Greatest Generation Limited Edition Bourbon Whiskey to support our fund to build the long overdue World War II Memorial in Vero Beach. This is your chance to open a bottle and toast something great that you help build and to honor our men and women who represent the Greatest Generation.”

Bottles are $250 each. To purchase, send a check to CCIRC-WWII Tribute, 1216 21st St., Suite 1, Vero Beach, FL 32960. You will be notified when bottles are available for pickup.

We are running the photo of Col. Martin Zickert with this story despite his recent passing because he was such a vital part of the veterans community.

Photos by Joshua Kodis