- December 26, 2024
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6-year-old Lilyana Tidwell waves a pair of flags.
Photo by Ian SwabyA parade by local jeep clubs stretches across Main Street.
Photo by Ian SwabyMembers of the Sarasota Police Department escort the parade.
Photo by Ian Swaby9-year-old Alejandro Bringas, 8-year-old Anabela Bringas, Jan Hamel Solomon of Sailing Home Sarasota, and 8-year-old Radley Pappo march with Hope Fleet in order to thank hurricane heroes.
Photo by Ian SwabyDavid Bonci and Commander Ron Evans of Veterans of Foreign Wars Sunshine Post 3233 greet the crowds lining Main Street on May 29, 2023, during the Memorial Day parade.
Photo by Ian Swaby2-year-old Jackson Pietron, his father Officer Michael Pietron, and his 5-year-old sister Ellie Pietron await the arrival of the parade.
Photo by Ian SwabyBarbara Harvey and George Harvey, a Korean War veteran who was a member of the Seabees (United States Naval Construction Battalions), watch the parade.
Photo by Ian Swaby3-year-old Oliver and Noah Sebastianelli and their mother Allie Sebastianelli welcome the parade vehicles.
Photo by Ian SwabyMembers of the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office lead the parade.
Photo by Ian SwabySarasota Military Academy graduate Micah Adams played bagpipes at the parade and ceremony.
Photo by Ian SwabySteve Fields, president of Sons of the American Revolution for the State of Florida, leads the members of the organization.
Photo by Ian SwabyTim Curtin waves flags at a group of motorcyclists.
Photo by Ian SwabyPete Beisler of Veterans of Foreign Wars Sunshine Post 3233, and his granddaughters, 5-year-old Harlee Carll and 11-year-old Kerriana Carll, greet the crowds lining the streets.
Photo by Ian SwabyMembers of the American Legion Unit of Sarasota Bay Post. No. 30 make their way down Main Street during the Memorial Day parade on May 29, 2023.
Photo by Ian SwabyParade attendees wave flags at the passing vehicles.
Photo by Ian SwabyBrett Waton and 2-year-old Roman Watson watch the parade.
Photo by Ian SwabyJan Hamel Solomon of Sailing Home Sarasota leads the children at the ceremony in an invitation to the public, in English and Spanish.
Photo by Ian SwabyJan Hamel Solomon to 11-year-old Martin Alvarez who stands alongside Fernando Alvarez, 6-year-old Bianca Alvarez, 9-year-old Maria Victoria Alvarez, and Astrid Lambis. The key was given to her father, Chaplain J.D. Hamel, when J.D. Hamel Park, where the ceremony took place, was dedicated in his name.
Photo by Ian SwabyVietnam veteran Col. James Weisensee makes his way down Main Street.
Photo by Ian SwabyMayor Kyle Battie marches in the parade.
Photo by Ian SwabyColleen Page marches with Daughters of the American Revolution.
Photo by Ian SwabyMotorcycle riders head down Main Street towards J.D. Hamel Park.
Photo by Ian SwabyMembers of the Sarasota Military Academy Army JROTC Eagle Regiment march in the parade.
Photo by Ian SwabyTerry and Ruth Baggett watch the parade.
Photo by Ian SwabyMembers of Vietnam Brotherhood, riding on a trolley, greet the crowd.
Photo by Ian SwabyKeynote speaker Richard Petrucci, a former Navy pilot, instroduces himself alongside Sonny Bywaters of American Legion Post 30.
Photo by Ian SwabyAaron and Linda Burkett applaud during the ceremony.
Photo by Ian SwabyMembers of the community assembled in honor of those who gave their lives defending the country during the city of Sarasota’s annual Memorial Day parade on May 29.
The parade, hosted in conjunction with the Sarasota Patriotic Observance Committee, centered on the theme “All Gave Some, Some Gave All” and included marchers along with trucks, bicycles and motorcycles.
Among the many organizations involved were the Veterans of Foreign Wars Sunshine Post 3233, Sarasota Military Academy, Sarasota Police Department and Sarasota County Fire Department.
“This is a really fine tribute,” said Chaplain Herbert Jordan, who served in the National Guard in Sarasota. “I know a lot of communities hold Memorial Day celebrations, but Sarasota has gone all out and done a whole lot for this.”
The parade was followed by a ceremony at J.D. Hamel Park, where the keynote speaker was Richard Petrucci, a former Navy pilot of 25 years. Petrucci spoke about the importance of honoring fallen or missing service members.
“To be killed in wars is not the worst thing that can happen. To be lost is not the worst thing. To be forgotten, is the worst thing,” he said.
Mayor Kyle Battie also spoke at the ceremony.
“Our flag does not move by the wind, but by the breath, the last breath, of those that have fallen to protect it,” he said. “We’re here today not only to mourn them, but to praise them — praise them for their sacrifice, and may we live in it each and every day in honor of them and the sacrifice in which they have given.”
Megan Ronan sang the national anthem and “God Bless America,” while Sarasota Military Academy graduate Micah Adams played bagpipes in the parade and during the ceremony.
