Large turnout marks Memorial Day observance in Sun City Center
An estimated 850 residents honored the fallen May 27 during a solemn Memorial Day ceremony at the Kings Point Veteran’s Theater.
Following opening ceremonies that included the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard, an introduction of VIPs, Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the National Anthem, retired Army Col. DJ Reyes gave a moving keynote speech.
The event also included music by the Trinity Baptist Church Choir, a somber roll call of Sun City Center veterans who died during the past year and Living Flag Tribute.
The event concluded with the placing of a large wreath at the flagpole outside by members of Boy Scout Troop 661.
Lois Kindle
LOIS KINDLE PHOTO
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard marches to the front of Kings Point’s Veterans Theater to post The Colors as part of opening ceremonies on Memorial Day.
Retired Army Col. DJ Reyes gives the keynote speech at Sun City Center’s Memorial Day ceremony at the King’s Point Veterans Theater.
There was standing room only at the Kings Point Veterans Theater, May 27, as the Sun City Center community honored the fallen.
The audience stands and participates in the annual recitation of The Pledge of Allegiance.
Members of the Sun City Center Emergency Squad stand as the names of veterans in the Sun City Center and Kings Point communities who died this year are called in the ceremony’s Roll Call of Departed Comrades/Living Flag Tribute.
Bagpiper Jason Marchand plays “Amazing Grace” as he marches up the center aisle in closing Memorial Day ceremonies at the Kings Point Veterans Theater.
The American Flag stands with those of each of the United States military branches.
Former Coast Guard members stand to be recognized as their branch of the military is recognized.
The Rev. James Feist directs the audience and the Trinity Baptist Church Choir during a musical interlude and salute to the Armed Forces.
Representing the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office District 4 Command are, from left: Community Resource Deputy Jeff Merry, Maj. Robert Ura and Lt. Jeff Shiro.
VIP guests of honor Mardee Buchman, administrative assistant to U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan; Fla. Rep. Mike Beltran; Hillsborough County Commission Chairman Les Miller; and SCC Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lynne Conlan and her husband George stand to recite The Pledge of Allegiance.
Boy Scouts from Troop 661 remove the wreath to take and place it at the outdoor flagpole to close the Memorial Day ceremony. LOIS KINDLE PHOTOS
