- December 3, 2024
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Sarasota Military Academy students march in the parade.
Photo by Ian SwabyIveth Castillo and Francesca Castillo, 3, watch the parade.
Photo by Ian SwabyRaine Allen, 11, Lennox Allen, 7 and Mia and Britt Allen greet the oncoming vehicles.
Photo by Ian SwabyRose Lecuyer, 5, and Justin Lecuyer show their patriotism.
Photo by Ian SwabyMicah Adams plays "Amazing Grace" on bagpipes during the ceremony.
Photo by Ian SwabyMiss Florida Ultimate Kaitlyn Graybeal rides with SRQ Vets, including board president Rob Kehs.
Photo by Ian SwabyA vehicle representing the Historic Aircraft Society arrives at the Main Street and Orange Avenue roundabout.
Photo by Ian SwabyLiliana William and Miguel Gomez participate by motorcycle.
Photo by Ian SwabyLiam Shepherd, 4, Sophia Christeas, 11, Scarlett Shepherd, 7 and Hannah Harkness, 5, took to the podium to join Jan Solomon for the invocation.
Photo by Ian SwabyLittle Sal Logrande, 9, and Sal Logrande, make their way down Main Street.
Photo by Ian SwabyMegan Ronan sings "The Star Spangled Banner" during the ceremony.
Photo by Ian SwabySarasota native and Army veteran Michael Tollerton, the main speaker at the ceremony, is introduced by Marine veteran Sonny Bywaters.
Photo by Ian SwabyPaul Shepherd and his family don't miss the Memorial Day Parade and ceremony each year.
With his grandfather, Peter Shepherd, having served as a tail gunner in World War II, he said the family recognizes the importance of honoring the sacrifices of service members.
“It means everything, really,” he said. “This is how we got our freedom.”
Centered on the theme of "Some Gave All," the parade featured local police and fire personnel and vehicles, local organizations, convoys of jeeps and motorcycles and more.
The event was followed by a ceremony at J.D. Hamel Park.
Hosted by Sonny Bywaters, the ceremony included an invocation by Jan Solomon, the reading of Memorial Day proclamations by city of Sarasota Mayor Liz Alpert and County Commissioner Mark Smith and a speech by Michael Tollerton, a Sarasota native and female Army veteran who served for six years, earning the rank of captain in the field artillery.
“On this solemn day, let us all pledge to never forget the sacrifices of our fallen heroes," Tollerton said. "May we always remember the lessons of the past and strive to build a future worthy of their sacrifice. As we look to the future, let us remember that the torch of freedom is not ours to keep, but ours to pass on to future generations. Let us nurture the next generation of leaders to equip them with the knowledge, lessons and values they need to carry forward with pride.”
