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Recapping Area Memorial Day Ceremonies

By Holly Newby

         Monday was the holiday known as Memorial Day, once known as  Decoration Day, when Americans remember all those who paid the ultimate price for freedom.
    The Memorial Day service schedule kicked off at 6:30 a.m. with a ceremony at the AW Peterson Gun Shop in Mount Dora.  Lake County Chairperson Leslie Campione was the featured speaker at this quaint event, which welcomed several dozen patriots for the early morning event.  Area attorney AJ Rohe played Taps, Carey Baker and local Scouts conducted a flag-burning ceremony, and Chase Allen of the First Baptist Church of Umatilla spoke and led a prayer.  Baker and Campione both gave powerful speeches on the importance of remembering those who gave their lives in service to the country. Campione's talk featured remembring locals lost in military service, including James Reynolds, Jr. of Eustis and Robert McTureous, Jr. of Altoona.
    Lakeside Memory Gardens north of Eustis hosted nearly 200 for its event at 10 a.m.  John Roemmelt led a service that included a speech from Brigadier General Ernest C. Audino (US Army RET) who spoke on the greatness of America and the bravery of those who served.  First Baptist Church of Umatilla Pastor Brooks Braswell spoke on military bravery, including the need for Americans to bless God, so that God can bless America.  The Umatilla High School JROTC, led by Lt. Col. Al Nevarez conducted both a flag folding ceremony and laid a wreath in remembrance of those lost in military service.
         A wonderful Memorial Day program was held at McTureous Memorial Park in Altoona thanks to the combined efforts of Lakeview Terrace, the McTureous Homestead Museum, Lake County Parks & Recreation and the American Legion Austin-Giles Post #21 American Legion.
        On hand Monday morning at 10 a.m. were American Legion Post Adjutant Robert Ragin who made the opening remarks in front of a crowd of approximately 100 local residents. The beautiful shade of a large oak tree allowed guests to sit comfortably in a light breeze.    
        After the opening prayer by Rob Ragin, Mike Cross gave a brief history of Robert M. McTureous including his early years, church, high school, and family life.     
       American Legion Post Commander Robert Ragin presided over the posting of the military colors by the Umatilla High School  AJROTC. The students, in their uniforms, did an excellent job of posting the colors and assisting with the presentation of a pair of "Riderless Horses".
        The Lakeview Terrace Golden Girls and Men’s Glee Club sang America the Beautiful along with the crowd. As each flag of the military was presented the singers sang the song that represented that branch of the military service. Members of the audience that had served in that branch stood to be recognized as their service branch was noted.
         Local resident Ginger Patrick of Altoona presented a brief description of the tradition of the Riderless Horse Memorial Tribute. She explained that the tradition started with the presentation of President Abraham Lincoln's horse in his funeral procession. Later, a white horse was introduced to military processions to represent the lives of the future soldiers that would be sacrificed in future wars. Patrick's horse, Achilles, which was the black horse used on Monday, has served in military services for the past 15 years under the direction of Patrick who is herself, a military veteran. The horses were presented in full military tack and were escorted by JROTC members.
       A family history of military service was shared by Dave Schneider of Tavares. Schneider was wearing the Purple Heart and another medal that had belonged to his grandfather and were presented to his grandfather for his service in WWI It was interesting to hear how many of his relatives, who were first-generation immigrants to America, had served in the U.S. Military with great pride in their new country.
           As part of the service, a memorial flame was lit, a poem read and a wreath was placed at the McTureous monument. The guest keynote speaker for the program was Dr. Dale C. Smith, who gave a detailed lesson on the difference between Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day. The speech was inspirational and very educational covering the history of military memorials from the Revolutionary War, through the Civil War, and through all recent armed conflicts. Smith is a retired military medical doctor, professor and author, and a resident of Lakeview Terrace. He did a phenomenal job with his speech.
       The singers from Lakeview then provided a beautiful version of "The Star Spangled Banner" and to close the program "God Bless the U.S.A." by Lee Greenwood. They are a great group of singers with strong voices that could be heard over the traffic on SR 19.
      The closing prayer was given by Rob Ragin, TAPS was played by Bugler Troy Buck and closing remarks were given by Robert Ragin.
         Special acknowledgment was given to Lakeview Terrace, Sue Roudabush of the McTureous Museum and JROTC for their support of the event.
         The program was well attended by local residents. In the crowd we saw local faces  Amy Bouchard, Polly Haines, Tim Coleman, Carrie Curry Jarret, Gunner Williams, Lisa Auble, Barbara and Steve Johnson, Bill Todd, Sue Roudabush, Ann Martin Williams, Pastor Hershel Don Yancey, Cathy and Phil Owens, Laura Wright, Susan Martin, Keith Oliver, Bob and Linda Johnson, Lori Patterson, James Scobie, Dalton Yancey, Diane Fyfe, Skip and Ginger Babb, Betty Ragin, and so many others.
         It is important to show respect on Memorial Day for those who paid the ultimate price for our American freedoms. The men and women who gave all have a right to be remembered for their ultimate sacrifice. Our freedom and the preservation of our rights depend on remembering the cost of freedom.