In honor of our U.S. Veterans, many joined Councilwoman Judy Waldman on Sunday, November 10, to ensure each and every Veteran resting in Palms Woodlawn Cemetery (27100 Old Dixie Highway) had a flag on their gravesite.
The service began at 4 p.m. with a welcome from Councilwoman Waldman thanking everyone present for sharing their time with her and the U.S. Veterans present and past. “My daddy was a disabled U.S. Veteran and is laid to rest here in Palms Woodlawn, so I realize first-hand what these men and women sacrifice for our freedom and safety,” said Councilwoman Waldman. “This is a very special service close to my heart, and I appreciate each of you being here to place flags on the graves of those who have served our country.”
Councilwoman Waldman welcomed Councilwoman Patricia Fairclough and the Mayor’s Youth Council to lead the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a moment of silent meditation. Newly-elected Mayor Jeff Porter spoke of how important it is to remember those who have fought and died as well as the military men and women in our community, both active and inactive. Ms. Vanessa Di Gennaro sang a beautiful a cappella rendition of God Bless America to set the mood. Pastor Travis Johnson, Lifepointe Church, shared memories of his grandfather followed by a moving invocation. Bagpiper and Reverend Mark Tonnesen, St. Andrews Lutheran Church, ended the service with Amazing Grace.
With bundles of flags in arms, everyone began searching the cemetery for markers indicating a resting soldier to place a U.S. flag. In less than an hour, Palms Woodlawn was transformed into a blanket of U.S. flags waving in the wind recognizing every veteran’s grave in the cemetery.
