Tribute to veterans emotional
PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER
Members of the Junior ROTC of Haines City High School march as they present the colors (U.S. flag) at the Veterans Day memorial service at Traditions. As they pass, Vietnam veterans stand at attention.
PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER
At the beginning of the ceremony, those who had served in the military are asked to stand and accept recognition from everyone else.
PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER
A color guard composed of Vietnam era veterans salute as the U.S. flag is raised.
PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER
Louie Pisculli bows his head in prayer.
PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER
A reception followed the unveiling ceremony, with this cake as the centerpiece.
PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER
Brigadier General David MacInnes (Ret. U.S. Marine Corp) would lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER
Surrounded by flags of Old Glory, Vietnam veterans salute as the main flag is raised up the flag pole.
PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER
Mike Arangio pauses to regain his composure as he tells those gathered an experience he had while serving in Vietnam.
PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER
Mike Arangio tells of a time when he and those on the ship he served came under attack.
PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER
Master Sgt. James Kelly (Ret., U.S. Army) and Master Sgt. Thomas Sandell (Ret., U.S. Air Force) unveil the memorial honoring those who served.
PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER
The ground upon which the Veterans Memorial now sits, now is declared solemn, hallowed ground.
Tears welled, chins quivered and voices choked at the Veterans Memorial Ceremony that took place at the Traditions adult community clubhouse Saturday, Nov. 10. An overflow audience of almost 200, more than double anticipated by organizers, were present for the unveiling of a memorial dedicated to those who had served.
Conducted by Mike Arangio, a Vietnam veteran, and attended by public servants such as Winter Haven mayor J.P. Powell, Florida Representative John Wood, and Capt. William Mann (with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, representing Sheriff Grady Judd), the ceremony began with a presentation of the colors (U.S. Flag) by the Haines City Junior ROTC, led by Lt. Col. John Ingraham. Following the raising of the flag and the singing of the national anthem, Brigadier General David MacInnes (United States Marine Corp, retired) led the Pledge of Allegiance. Afterward, after a rendition of “God Bless America,” performed by the Rays of Hope, Arangio welcomed and thanked all who were present.
