Anna Maria salutes fallen military heroes

Members of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard raise the flag May 28 in City Pier Park for Anna Maria’s Memorial Day Salute to fallen veterans. The program, which began at 10 a.m., included an invocation by the Rev. Ed Moss of CrossPointe Fellowship in Holmes Beach, a welcome from Mayor Dan Murphy and the presentation of colors. Holmes Beach Mayor Bob Johnson and Anna Maria resident George Barford, both veterans, placed memorial wreaths in the park and other veterans and spouses were recognized. The Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra entertained with “patriotic” music.

A crowd sits under the sail shades May 28 for Anna Maria’s Memorial Day Salute at City Pier Park as Mayor Dan Murphy delivers his remarks. The event was threatened by a tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico, but the city carried out its plans. Islander Photos: 
Bianca Benedí