Memorial Day Ceremonies in Santa Rosa County

The Veterans Memorial Plaza’s annual Memorial Day ceremony will be held Mon., May 27 at 10 a.m., at 5191 Willing Street in Milton, in remembrance of the brave men and women who gave their lives while serving our country.
Wreaths will be laid in honor of the Fleet Reserve Association Branch 210, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4833, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 125, American Legion Post 78, Combat Veterans, Daughters of the American Revolution, Purple Heart Association, Sons of the American Revolution and the AmVets Post 1292.

The plaza’s ceremony activities are as follows:

Opening remarks

Introductions: Dan Powers

Presentation of the colors: US Navy Sea Cadets

Invocation: LTJG Chaplain Frank Tillotson, NAS Whiting Field

National anthem: Milton High School soloist

Post colors: US Navy Sea Cadets

Proclamations: Mayor Heather Lindsey, pro-tem Mary Johnson, City of Milton and Commissioner Bob Cole, Santa Rosa County District 2

Keynote speech: Capt. Paul D. Bowdich, commanding officer, NAS Whiting Field

Amazing Grace: Santa Rosa County pipes and drums

Presentation of the wreaths

Taps: Milton High School

Benediction: Pastor Jim Liberacki, East Side Baptist Church

Casting of the wreaths on the water: Fleet Reserve Association Branch 210

For more information on the Veterans Memorial Plaza event, call 850-860-2427.
In the south end of the county, a Memorial Day ceremony will be presented by the local veteran’s organizations (Veteran’s of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts) in Navarre Park, 8513 Navarre Parkway in Navarre, May 27 at 11 a.m. Participants include the local scout troops 106 and 401 as well as the Navy Junior ROTC cadets from Navarre High School. District 4 Commissioner Dave Piech will present the Memorial Day proclamation.

photo btSarah Whitfield

For more information on the Navarre Park event, contact Joseph Louder, josephlouder@gmail.com.