Submitted by Gerry Clare (Photos by Tom and Gerry Clare)
Roving Reporter
Paulette Williams (lower left), Carol Carter sells poppies
The weather was beautiful in contrast to last year’s stormy day and a few hundred attended the Memorial Day ceremony Monday to honor our country’s veterans. Sponsored by VFW Post 4351, the ceremony was opened by Chris Dicks, the post’s commander. Colors were presented by JROTC West Nassau High School students and the pledge of allegiance headed by local boy scouts. Ed Cook aptly handled the musical selections, Artie Steinig (the post chaplain) offered the invocation, Mayor Pelican read the city proclamation and Clifford Schelling read the names of the Nassau County roll call of honor.
Retired Rear Admiral (Navy) Gene R. Kendall was the keynote speaker and highlighted the solemnity of the holiday, reading selections by President Lincoln and the poem, ”In Flanders Field. ” He also advocated the need for more national cemeteries for our fallen veterans and ended with a reminder to ”never forget the service of our veterans.”
The service ended with taps and the casting of the memorial wreath into the Amelia River.
Editor’s Note: Gerry began free lance writing for fun and is the author of a published book (available on Amazon and at Books Plus) about funny real estate experiences. Gerry is a longtime member of our local American Business Women’s Chapter, a volunteer cancer driver and church deacon who loves to read, travel and meet interesting people.
May 27, 2013 1:49 p.m.
how i wish someone could have gotten a picture of the lovely Eagle soaring above the flag while the names were being read. then he just soared away..
breath taking for those of us who saw it.
Retired Rear Admiral (Navy) Gene R. Kendall, this year’s keynote speaker, gave one of the finest Memorial addresses I have heard in Fernandina Beach for many years – brought tears to my eyes.
True Class.