More than 100 veterans, family members and guests attended The Islander’s sixth annual veterans tribute Nov. 11 — Veterans Day — at the Anna Maria Island Veterans Memorial at Holmes Beach City Hall.
Despite the cool morning, it was a warm tribute to the veterans, said Holmes Beach Mayor Rich Bohnenberger, who spoke briefly at the tribute.
The annual event honors veterans of the U.S. armed services, particularly those whose stories appeared in the newspaper’s Greatest Generation columns about World War II veterans and the Forgotten Generation columns for Korean War veterans.
Veterans who served during World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, the Gulf War and the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts attended.
Islander publisher Bonner Joy hosted the ceremony, which included a tribute to the late Ralph Bassett by his granddaughter Vicky Gipson-Grogan. Bassett was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, a Kiwanis Club member and a regular speaker at The Islander Veterans Day ceremony. He died Oct. 28.
The opening prayer was led by the Rev. Ron Joseph, followed by posting of the colors and a rifle volley by an honor guard from American Legion Kirby Stewart Post 24 of Palma Sola.
Island entertainer Mike Sales led attendees in singing the national anthem. Brief remarks followed from Islander reporter Rick Catlin, who writes the Greatest Generation and Forgotten Generation columns. The columns began in 2002 and the first Islander ceremony honoring veterans was in 2006.
Bohnenberger, a U.S. Air Force veteran, read a proclamation and observed that the day was significantly 11-11-11.
Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day to observe the signing of the World War I armistice to end the fighting at the 11th minute of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. In 1954, Congress changed the Nov. 11 holiday to Veterans Day. Nov. 11 is still known as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in most of Europe and English-speaking countries around the world.
Major Leckie, a U.S. Navy veteran and Kiwanis Club member, delivered a tribute to Bassett and all the veterans, regardless of their branch of service.
Perhaps the most moving speech came from Gipson-Grogan, who read a poem about what it meant for her grandfather to be a Marine, a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, and the pride each veteran holds for their uniform, flag and country.
When Gipson-Grogan ended her remarks, there were many wiping tears from their eyes.
Sales led the gathering in singing “God Bless America,” and the honor guard concluded the ceremony with the traditional playing of taps.
The Islander and the AMI Beach Cafe provided coffee and pastries for veterans and other guests.
The city of Holmes Beach provided the outdoor set-up, including podium, microphone and chairs.
Always faithful
While taps is played, the crowd for the Veterans Day Salute presented by The Islander and hosted by the city of Holmes Beach, observes a moment of silence — and veterans offer salutes.
The color guard from the American Legion Kirby Stewart Post 24 presents the colors during The Islander veterans tribute Nov. 11. The event took place at Island Veterans Memorial outside Holmes Beach City Hall. Islander Photos: Lisa Neff
Harold Sears, recipient of France’s Legion of Honor Medal, accepts appreciation.
Bugler Tom Miller from the American Legion Kirby Stewart Post 24 plays taps at the close of The Islander Veterans Day Salute held Nov. 11 at Holmes Beach City Hall.
The Rev. Ronald Joseph of the Ministry of Presence offers a prayer during the Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 11 at a memorial outside Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive.
Islander reporter Rick Catlin, who writes the newspaper’s veterans profiles and a Vietnam veteran, addresses the crowd.
Holmes Beach Mayor Rich Bohnenberger welcomes people to Holmes Beach City Hall and the Veterans Day ceremony held Nov. 11. The mayor, a veteran, read a proclamation.
Major Leckie of the Anna Maria Island Kiwanis Club shares a moment with Vicki Gipson-Grogan, granddaughter of the late Ralph Bassett. Both honored Bassett, a Marine who served in World War II and Korea, who died this fall.
William Field and George Staudt of the American Legion Kirby Stewart Post 24 Honor Guard fire a salute.
Veterans Gene Ciliberti, left, and Bob Zohlmann listen to Mayor Rich Bohnenberger during the Veterans Day tribute Nov. 11 in Holmes Beach.
Holmes Beach Commissioner Pat Morton and members of the HBPD join in the Veterans Day tribute Nov. 11 at city hall.
A crowd of largely red, white and blue.
Vicki and Kerry Dunn of Anna Maria attend the Veterans Day ceremony in Holmes Beach.
Major Leckie and Mayor Rich Bohnenberger join in a prayer.
Island musician Mike Sales sings the national anthem.
The singing of “God Bless America.”