MILITARY & MOTORCYCLES_MAY 17, 2013
Memorial Day 2013
On February 14, I wrote regarding Chris Kyle who had been assigned to SEAL Team 3, Sniper Element prior to his retirement. He had been known as one of the deadliest snipers in American history. Chris is one of the millions who have served our country during war as well as peace time throughout this country’s history. Sadly he was taken from us after his retirement by a person he was attempting to help.
As most of you know I ride with the Patriot Guard Riders, and we attend numerous military funerals a year all across this Nation.
There are three days a year which I personally hold in honor, those being the 4th of July (Independence Day), Memorial Day (In remembrance of those who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces) and Veterans Day.
This year Memorial Day falls on a Monday, May 27; however, some ceremonies will be held on Sunday as well. Below is a list of the local events and ceremonies.
Sunday, May 26
Sarasota National Cemetery – 1:30 p.m.
‘Maverick’ Johnson (106.5 CTQ, Sarasota) will be the MC for the ceremony which will begin at 1 p.m. with the Sarasota Military Academy playing and the main program will begin at 1:30 p.m.
Representative Gregory Steube will be the Key Note Speaker for the program. Parking will be on site (9810 SR 72 /Clark Road).
For more information please call Sarasota National Cemetery at
(941) 922-7200
5th Annual Tribute to Heroes LWR Memorial Day Parade
MC starts at 5 pm – Parade begins at 6 p.m.
For more information call (941) 907-0400
Monday, May 27
Memorial Day
Bradenton Veterans Park (north of Manatee Hospital parking lot).
Ceremony begins at 9 a.m. Bradenton Vice-Mayor Patrick Roff will be the speaker.
Ride to Memorial Day Service at the Florida National Cemetery
(Bushnell).
Start Location: Interstate Rest Area on I-75, located 1½ miles north of the intersection of I-75 & I-275Arrive no later than 9 am, Kickstands up at 9:30 a.m.
For more information contact Ron “Paladin” Rook at (813) 453 – 6431 or by Email at rookrp@verizon.net.
The ride to the ceremony at Florida National is put on by the Defenders Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club.
Sarasota Memorial Day Parade, Sarasota – Parade begins at 10a.m. (Main St. and Osprey Avenue) downtown. There will be a ceremony after the parade at Chaplain J.D. Hamel Park on Gulfstream Avenue.
Please remember the true meaning of Memorial Day. It is not the official start of summer or super sales. It is to remember those who have served this county in the military and have lost their lives doing so.
God Bless America and all those who have served to protect us.
Terry Longpre
