ANNA MARIA – A solemn Memorial Day ceremony was held at The Center of Anna Maria Island on Monday morning, May 25, to honor U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the armed forces.
Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short welcomed the more than 300 attendees who gathered inside The Center gym. The program began with a presentation of the colors by members of the Manatee High School ROTC. Cool Beans A.M.I. owner Morgan Bryant then sang “The Star-Spangled Banner,” followed by a prayer for the military led by Ahmad Jimmerson, who is retired from the U.S. Army and is a veterans outreach specialist for the Manatee County government. Nate Boggs, from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, played “Going Home” on the bagpipes.
“I’d like to recognize those who are here today,” Short said.
He asked those who had lost someone in combat to stand, followed by those who served in the military and those with spouses who served in the military.
Short noted that on May 5, 1866, in Waterloo, New York, an observance was held for those who were lost in the Civil War. Waterloo, New York is considered the originator of the Memorial Day observation. This recognition was originally called Decoration Day and recognized those who were lost in the Civil War. It wasn’t until 1971 that Memorial Day became an official federal holiday to be observed on the last Monday of May; and to honor all who served and sacrificed their lives in the line of military duty.
“Today we honor the heroes who gave their all for our freedom – the land of the free because of the brave. Today we remember with gratitude the sacrifice of those who served,” Short said.
A video was played with remarks by former President Ronald Reagan, who spoke of the sacrifices made by those who lost their lives for their country.
“This is what Memorial Day is all about,” Short said.
In the weeks leading up to the Memorial Day tribute, the city sought photos, videos and stories that would help honor those being memorialized.
Short spoke about Capt. Franklin R. Hooks II, who had family ties to Anna Maria Island.
“On June 27, 2004, Captain Franklin R. Hooks II, a Marine pilot, was lost in a training exercise south of the Azores. Captain Hooks had flown over 20 combat missions in Iraq. His body was never recovered. As you can imagine, today is a very emotional day for his family. In part, this is a tribute to the family, but more importantly, this is a tribute to everybody who has ever served our nation,” Short said.
