Coral Springs honors military veterans on Memorial Day
By David Volz
Coral Springs honored those who gave their lives while serving in the military during a Memorial Day service held at the city gymnasium. Many military veterans of all ages attended the event.
There was a presentation of the colors and a placing of the wreath by the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department Honor Guard. They also played bag pipes. A salute volley and playing of taps was given by the Coral Springs Police Honor Guard.
U.S. Navy Commander (retired) Tom Melville was the keynote speaker. He discussed the many sacrifices military personnel have made since the Revolutionary War and more recent wars and conflicts including World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Iraq and Afghanistan. Melville served on the U.S.S. Coral Sea during the Vietnam War. He described the feeling of loss he experienced when airplane crews were killed in action. Melville emphasized the importance of honoring military personnel who gave their lives while fighting for our freedom.
Mayor Scott Brook spoke on the importance honoring military veterans. He said that many people in the audience know what it means to lose a close friend or relative who was serving in the military. “We owe them a debt of gratitude. We thank the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for nation,” he said.
Commissioner Joy Carter spoke on the importance of honoring military people who have sacrificed so much for the nation. She emphasized that making a sacrifice means you are giving up something that you want to keep. She said military veterans have sacrificed so we can be free.
Commissioner Nancy Metayer offered praise to the military veterans who have made sacrifices and fought to the defend the freedoms we all enjoy.
Ernie Kubasek of the Veterans Coalition introduced the speakers. Pastor Randall Cutter of New Dawn Community Church gave the invocation and benediction.
Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May. The day honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. It was originally known Decoration Day and it began following the Civil War. Many Americans who had lost family and friends who had served in both the Union and Confederate armies would decorate their graves with flowers and recite prayers. Over time, the holiday was observed to honor all U.S. military personnel who died in wars. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May. This change officially went into effect in 1971 and this law also declared Memorial Day a federal holiday. Most cities hold Memorial Day ceremonies and parades and many families will visit graves and memorial of veterans. It also considered the beginning of summer and many families enjoy barbecues together.
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| Coral Springs is looking for children to lead the Pledge of Allegiance at Commission meetings The City of Coral Springs is looking for children volunteers to lead the Pledge of Allegiance at City Commission meetings. Elementary, middle, and high school students, from public and private schools, who either live or attend Coral Springs’ schools, are eligible to participate. |
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| Coral Springs updates Effective today, June 1, all fully vaccinated employees, visitors and contractors entering a city facility are no longer required to wear a facial covering or have a wellness check. In accordance with CDC guidelines, individuals who are not fully vaccinated are encouraged to continue using facial coverings while indoors. A reminder to residents, all Florida Department of Health (FDOH) Broward County vaccine sites no longer require appointments and accept walk-ups. Commission Meetings Commission Meetings are no longer virtual starting with our June 2nd Commission Meeting. Residents can attend in-person or watch the meeting online or on CityTV. Those who would like to provide public comment must submit a request in writing no later than the day of the meeting. |
