Vietnam veteran Dick Alvarez made sure people had their handkerchiefs and tissues ready at The Islander’s annual salute to veterans Nov. 11 at the Holmes Beach city hall.
Everyone has his or her own definition of what constitutes a military veteran, but Alvarez, who resides in Holmes Beach and is the commander of American Legion Kirby Stewart Post 24 in Bradenton, provided a unique definition of what few veterans realized when they entered the service.
Alvarez said a veteran is someone who signed a paper and swore an oath that they would be willing to give the ultimate sacrifice — his or her life — in defense of the country.
Alvarez, who served two tours in Vietnam, asked the more than 100 people at the ceremony to remember veterans — not just on Nov. 11, but also on Nov. 12 and every day.
“When you see someone you know is a veteran, go up to them and thank them for their service,” he said. “Remember, the veterans every day.”
There were few dry eyes when Alvarez finished his remarks and taps had been played.
An honor guard from Kirby Stewart presented the colors and flags of the five services — Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard.
Musician Mike Sales led the gathering in singing the national anthem, while Islander publisher Bonner Joy served as host for the event.
Islander reporter Rick Catlin gave the Pledge of Allegiance and asked veterans, by their branch of service, to stand and be recognized.
The Rev. Ron Joseph presented an invocation and the American Legion trumpeter from Kirby Stewart played the Call to Colors. The ceremony closed with his playing of taps.
Attending were veterans of World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, the Gulf wars and Afghanistan, and one veteran of the British army.
It was the eighth annual Islander salute to veterans.
Afterward, Alvarez thanked Joy for hosting the annual affair.
“It means so much to us to be recognized for doing our duty, for serving our country,” he said.
Joy said the annual tribute and profiles of veterans are the newspaper’s way of saying “thank you” to the veterans who have sacrificed to defend the nation.
Coffee service was provided by Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe at the Manatee Public Beach. Pastries were provided by The Islander. Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer was host for the city, and the public works department staff, including one service veteran who volunteered for day, set up the event in the parking lot adjacent to the veterans memorial plaque.
Notably, mayors-elect Bob Johnson of Holmes Beach and Dan Murphy of Anna Maria attended the service, along with Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon and Holmes Beach Mayor Carmel Monti.
A tribute and taps
Tom Miller, with the American Legion Kirby Stewart Post 24, plays taps at the close of The Islander’s annual tribute to military veterans. The event took place Nov. 11 adjacent to the Anna Maria Island veterans memorial plaque outside Holmes Beach City Hall.
Dale Redeker of Bradenton Beach listens to a speaker during The Islander newspaper’s salute to military veterans, which took place at Holmes Beach City Hall Nov. 11, Veterans Day. Islander Photos: Lisa Neff
Veteran Dick Alvarez of Holmes Beach talks about serving the country and helping post-war veterans during The Islander program at Holmes Beach City Hall.
Drew Thomas, with the American Legion Kirby Stewart Post 24, at the tribute to veterans Nov. 11 at Holmes Beach City Hall. The ceremony took place at the veterans memorial near the Anna Maria Island Butterfly Garden.
Those who attended the ceremony received U.S. flags.
The presentation of colors by the American Legion Kirby Stewart Post 24.
Fred Alexander, visiting from Minnesota, attends the Veterans Day program.
Holmes Beach residents Nancy Ambrose and father Oscar “Doc” Walker pray during The Islander’s Veterans Day program in Holmes Beach.
Injured U.S. Army veteran Joe Beimfohr tells his inspirational story to guests Nov. 15 at the Community BBQ Honoring Veterans at CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. Islander Photos: Bonner Joy
Mike Sales sings above a billboard of “heartfelt messages” from students at Anna Maria Elementary School.
Phyona, Sheema and Keanna write messages to veterans.
The American Legion Kirby Stewart Post 24 presents the colors.
The Manatee High School Drum Line entertains.