Bethany and Dr. Michael Fortunato. PHOTO BY JOSHUA KODIS

The Grand Harbor Golf and Beach Club overflowed with patriotic pride as guests paid tribute to the Greatest Generation during Music for This Night, a fundraiser hosted by the Military Officers Association of America, Indian River Chapter.

Proceeds from the evening will help to close the gap on monies needed to complete the World War II Tribute currently under construction on Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary at Riverside Park. The Tribute, and the event, symbolize the community’s unwavering commitment to honoring and preserving the memory of those who selflessly served their country.

Grammy Award-winning soprano Lisa Eden took center stage alongside pianist Jacob Craig with a performance that captivated the audience through a musical soirée dedicated to the valiant heroes of World War II.

Eden’s repertoire was heartwarmingly curated to pay homage to the spirit of resilience and unity that defined that era. Each song selected and note sung reverberated with tales of patriotism, camaraderie, and the unwavering resolve, courage and sacrifice of those who served.

The primary focus of the evening was raising funds for the WWII Tribute, a parade stand designed as a permanent testament to the enduring gratitude of a nation indebted to its heroes.

Event emcee Bethany Fortunato explained that the parade stand will be the site where all future military and memorial ceremonies will be held on the sanctuary, calling it the “crown jewel of the island.”

Fortunato said that the back of the platform will acknowledge WWII veterans’ service with replicas of the Defense of America medal, American Theater medal, Pacific medal and European Campaign medal. Insignias from the Vero Beach Naval Air Station, World War II Victory Medal and Honorable Service pin will be featured on smaller columns at the front.

Local artists Glenda Taylor and Sharon Sexton have handcrafted tiles for the rear of the tribute that correspond to the service ribbon color for each of the medals.

The Indian River County Historical Society is providing a kiosk with a QR code to learn more about local World War II living veterans as well as the 42 Indian River County military personnel who were lost during WWII and are represented with cenotaphs on Memorial Island.

Quoting Col. Tony Young, Fortunato said, “The World War II Tribute dedication in the months ahead will be a generational milestone. The centerpiece is a gift to the community, providing an overdue recognition of the World War II generation of citizen-soldiers and all who stood in the breach.”

MOAA IR meets on the third Friday of the month at the Vero Beach Yacht Club. For more information, visit moaafl.org. To donate toward the completion of the WWII Tribute, visit cultural-council.org.

Photos by Joshua Kodis