- November 15, 2024
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“It is wonderful the community remembers us and realizes the experiences we have gone through,” Retired WWII veteran William Shiepe said.
Retired Ormond Beach veterans from various branches of the United States Armed Forces came together at the Department of Leisure Services for a nice meal and entertainment Monday, Nov. 10. The event was held in the Leisure Services beautiful Senior Center Ballroom. The tables were laden with symbolic red and white carnations for each of the guests in honor of our fallen soldiers and American flag décor brightened the room. Live music and dancing was provided by local band the Blues Notes. The celebration started with the Presentation of Colors by the Ormond Beach Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol. Special guest speakers were then give the opportunity to speak to the assembled audience.
“It is the responsibility of the community to ensure veterans are thanked and honored for their services, not only on Veterans Day, but throughout the year,” Deputy Mayor Bill Partington said. “The freedoms that we all enjoy are a direct result of the sacrifices our veterans have made.”
The veterans were then recognized one at a time, by their military branch, by retired U.S. Army Colonel Skip Keating. “We are free today because of the nearly 250 years of strength produced by our soldiers,” Keating said. “Whenever our freedom has been threatened these men and women were called to protect our country. For all practical purposes they risked and sometimes gave their lives for the nation. We owe them more than we can ever repay.” Celebrating Veterans Day is a small way our community can help say thank you to all those who have served our country.
