"... Our Servicemen and women are serving throughout the world as guardians of peace--many of them away from their homes, their friends and their families. They are visible evidence of our determination to meet any threat to the peace with measured strength and high resolve. They are also evidence of a harsh but inescapable truth--that the survival of freedom requires great cost and commitment, and great personal sacrifice."
-President John F. Kennedy, 1963
The Color Guard Parade composed of members from United States Central Command/ MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa under the command of 1LT Sarah Dickenson: (not in order) TSgt David Patch, SFC Gregg Ramsdell, SSG Daniel Aponte, SSG Corean Pearson, SPC Uriel Flores, Sgt Jennifer Cook, SSgt Joseph Bohan, PQl James Frazier, PO2 Lydia Black
SAND KEY - Saturday's gulf breezes provided spirited flag waving throughout the Armed Forces Day ceremony and reception hosted by the Civic Association of Clearwater South Beach I and II condominiums located at 1400 Gulf Boulevard.
To salute active duty military personnel, a plaque was dedicated to the men and women of the five United States military branches and placed at the base of the twin condo's flag pole. Above, a flag donated by C.W. Bill Young US Congressman for the ceremony was flown.
Organizer Ernest Buzumato, who served with the 4th Amphibious Assault Battalion in Desert Storm, was the master of ceremonies and said, "We are here to honor the men and women of the United States Military Service---they preserve all that we hold so dear."
The principle speaker for the ceremony was Rear Admiral Peter R. Brown, CEC (Seabees) USN (retired). The invocation and benediction was given by Peter Drembroski of Hope Presbyterian Church.
Among the 146 who attended were State Representatives Jim Frishe, and Ed Hooper, Sheriff Jim Coats, Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard, Clearwater Commission members Carlen Petersen, John Doran, George Cretekos, and Paul Gibson.
Frishe read a letter of thanks from Governor Charlie Crist who wrote, "On behalf of the citizens of the state of Florida, I am honored to congratulate and salute you. Founded upon the ideals of freedom and democracy, America has long relied upon the men and women in our armed forces to ensure these principles are properly preserved for future generations to enjoy. You are all to be commended for your patriotic spirit, and notable record of service. Your commitment to duty and country is most inspiring. I commend your valiant service to this great country and send my best wishes for success and safety as you continue your commitment to the wellbeing of our nation."
After the ceremony, a reception was held in the South Beach II club room with a luncheon provided by Lee Roy Selmon's of Largo, where civilians were personally able to communicate their heartfelt thanks for service to members from MacDill, to the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 14 stationed in St Petersburg, and to Coast Guard members stationed at Clearwater and Sand Key.
(l to r) Organizer Ernie Burzumato with Violet Smith, auxiliary member of the Military Officers Association of America and widow of a career Army officer, and Anne Helmick wife of deceased Rear Admiral G.B. Helmick.
