Veterans groups, community leaders, sponsors, and the general public had the distinct honor of attending the inaugural Salute to Service and Sacrifice Veteran’s Day event held at Cultural Park on Saturday, Nov. 1. Hosted by the Cape Coral Museum of History and title sponsor Incredible Bank, along with several local business sponsors and veteran organizations, the free event honoring the service and sacrifice our current and past service members, and their families, provided several special moments of celebration and pride. The opening ceremony began with an Honor Guard Presentation of the Colors followed by an inspiring rendition of the National Anthem performed by 12-yearold local resident Isabella Clark. Mayor John Gunter addressed the gathering with an official proclamation. Florida House of Representatives Mike Giallombardo and Lee County Commissioner Brian Hamman provided comments. Cape Coral City Council members Jennifer Nelson-Lastra and Joe Kilraine were also on hand for the celebration. Cape Coral Technical College Director and museum board member, Charlie Pease, served as the master of ceremonies with patriotic musical performances provided throughout the day by Robert Gonnelli & Associates – A Moment in Time, Guns n’ Hoses Pipes n’ Drums of SWFL, the Calendar Girls, and a Mariner High School JROTC Rifle Demonstration.
Participating Veterans Organizations Included:
– Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 594 – Gold Star Families – Collier Lee Honor Flight – Holiday for Heroes – American Legion Post 90 – Purple Heart Chapter 696 – Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 9-10 – Brotherhood of Heroes (Resource Center and Museum) – DAV – Disabled American Veterans – Blue Star Families – Korean War Vets – Florida Military Vehicle Heritage – Hearts & Homes for Veterans – Cape Coral Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) – VFW District 13
