SARASOTA – People across the Suncoast came together to remember and honor our fallen heroes this Memorial Day.
“Our chance to honor all the veterans who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our Country so we can live in this free space,” said Master of the ceremonies, Sonny Bywaters.
The Sarasota Patriotic Observance Committee held a Memorial Day ceremony at Chaplain J.D. Hamel Park, Monday.
Sonny Bywaters, who has taken on the role of the master of the ceremonies since 1990, says the service will always be emotional FOR HIM
“Simply because of what it is and some people handle it differently than others, that’s why we like to get everybody together and show them that we feel the pain, just as they do even though we don’t show it. We made it back, and we thank those who didn’t,” said Bywaters.
Those who gathered at the water front park got to share stories and pay their respects to our fallen heroes.
Jim Berger says Memorial Day will always be a day of reflection for him
“Not just the guys I knew, but everybody, all the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, that is what today is about,” said Commander of VFW Post 3233, Jim Berger.
Retired Staff Sgt. Charles Coates, says he made it down to the ceremony not only to remember but to pay his respects
“I’m here for Memorial Day but also in memory of my 12 soldiers that I lost during both my tours in Vietnam and that is why I was making my own Memorial to them, they may be gone, but they’re not forgotten and that’s what I always want to remember,” said Retired Staff Sgt., Charles Coates.
