On May 29, Clermont celebrated Veterans Day by recognizing those who died protecting the freedoms of America. A special program was held featuring guest speaker Winter Park resident and Rollins College student Benjamin Mack-Johnson, musical tributes, a rifle salute, and ceremonial remembrances.
“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.
Mack-Johnson has spent more than half his life capturing and sharing the stories of World War II. He 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 continues to share these stories through artifacts in a traveling museum. As keynote speaker, he brings 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.
Members of the South Lake Florida Base-Sub Vets, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #5277, and the American Legion were responsible for the beautiful program.
