- February 23, 2025
"It's incredible to me that my community would think enough to celebrate just one sailor's coming home," said Retired Navy Rear Adm. William Masters as he fought back a few tears. "Thank you."
"No," Fred Costello interrupted, "thank you."
"Ormond strong: for then, for now, for always." — Retired Navy Rear Adm. William Masters
That wasn't the first time a round of applause erupted from the Ormond Memorial Art Museum's annual Veterans Day Tribute. Costello, event speaker and former Ormond Beach mayor, made it a point to make everyone who was not a veteran stand up and let those who were know that they were appreciated. And another round of applause ensued.
"We are in the presence of greatness," Costello said. "The biggest debt we owe as a nation, is what we owe veterans. I want to make sure that today, you feel like you earned and deserved our appreciation."
Deputy Mayor Bill Partington also spoke at the event, and encouraged people to not take the freedom they experience every day for granted.
"Exercise that freedom and liberty to be the best citizens you can be," he said. "Please remember that freedom isn't free."
