Clermont will join large and small communities all across the country to celebrate Veterans who died protecting the freedoms of America at a special program on Memorial Day. The program will begin at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 29, and will feature a guest speaker, musical tributes, a rifle salute, ceremonial remembrances, and much more.
The free event will be held at the Highlander Building Pavilion at Waterfront Park, 330 Third. Street in Clermont. “We must never forget the members of our Armed Forces who gave everything for this Country,” said Robert Mock, CTMCM (SS), US, Retired and a member of the South Lake Florida Base – SubVets. “Those soldiers had families, lives, and futures and as Americans, it is our duty to honor them and ensure our younger generations understand their sacrifice and carry on the tradition. Winter Park resident and Rollins College student Benjamin Mack-Johnson has spent more than half his life capturing and sharing the stories of World War II. Mack-Johnson has interviewed more than 100 World War I veterans and has produced a documentary (Normandy Revisited), written a book (World War II History for Teens), started a non-profit organization (World War II Veterans History Project) and he continues to share these stories through artifacts in a traveling museum.
As keynote speaker, he will bring some of those stories to life. Remembrances including the Battlefield Cross, Missing Man Table and Honors, Meaning of the 13 folds of the U.S. Flag, and recognition of Gold Star Families will be part of the program. A special thanks to members of the South Lake Florida Base-Sub Vets, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #5277, and the American Legion for ensuring the success of this
program.
