Veterans Day Ceremony

Our military veterans were remembered and honored in two ceremonies on Veterans Day. After the morning flag ceremony at the Veterans Park, the main ceremony was held at the Recreation Center.

The Marion County Honor Guard was a mainstay at both ceremonies. Led by CPT Steve Petty, U.S. Army, they conducted the flag lowering and raising at the Veterans Park Memorial and presented the Colors at the main ceremony.

They also gave a beautiful cutlass to Veterans Club President Charlie Calhoun, PO1 U.S. Navy. The well-deserved gift was in recognition of Charlie’s exemplary Veterans Club leadership and involvement with many local veterans’ organizations. He and First Mate Fran are the driving force behind many of the charitable and recognition events in the county.

The Marion County Honor Guard is often mentioned in these ceremony articles but never fully recognized. They are a dedicated, caring, and giving group of volunteer veterans. The organization was formed shortly after 9/11, and since 2001, it has performed over 6,000 honor ceremonies.

As a former member of the Honor Guard, I have heartfelt memories of many ceremonies in many places. We often drove down to Bushnell National Cemetery in an ancient yellow school bus, with no air conditioning in 95-degree humid weather, bouncing along with a suspension system long gone, wondering if the rusty old fossil would survive the trip.

I remember the sincere privilege of providing an important measure of honor to the somber family. I remember firing rifles in salute, folding the U.S. flag, and conducting the service for the family. I most remember the soulful moment of handing the memorial flag to a family member and seeing the complex mix of emotions, tempered with pride and gratitude to the Honor Guard for the dignity and respect we had bestowed on their loved one. It made the sacrifice, the time, and the effort all worth it.

If you would like to donate to this giving and patriotic group, just visit memorialhonorguard.com. 100% of your donation goes to their mission to support veterans and their families.

At the main ceremony, Marion County Commissioner Michelle Stone presented many recognition awards to residents supporting veterans’ groups. CPT Petty received a Humanitarian of the Year award, and SGT Bob Levenson, U.S. Marine Corps, received a Veterans Advocate award.

The Marion County Veterans Council also provided awards to several hometown heroes. Photo banners of these residents are now flying at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park. The Veterans Club also gave sincere thanks and recognition to Wood Shop for their donations. Also recognized were the Sewing Bees and the Happy Hookers for quilts, hats, and scarves crafted to support hurricane relief. Thanks to the Poms Cheer & Dance Squad and the Dancing Jewels for their lively performances.

SGT Levenson, CPT Petty, and CSM Charles Dodge, U.S. Army, gave moving speeches. CSM Dodge provided an inspirational moment when he recited the military enlistment oath. He reminded us that the oath that all veterans swore to has no expiration date and that our vow to “support and defend” and to “bear true faith and allegiance” is still binding. Lest not we forget this powerful oath, of sacrifice and commitment. Remember it – live it – honor it.