Fernandina Beach observes Memorial Day 2014

Reporter - News Analyst

Despite threatening skies and a few raindrops, a significant number of people attended the annual Memorial Day service on Monday, May 26, at the foot of Centre Street.  This year's service was hosted by the Theodore H. Hernandez American Legion Post 54, Fernandina Beach. Steve Staples, Post 54 Commander, opened the ceremony, which concluded  with the traditional laying of the wreath in the Amelia River by the Fernandina Beach Police Department.

Many current and former elected officials were on hand to observe the occasion, but by and large the audience consisted of veterans and their families, along with local supporters of the American armed forces who wanted to recognize the sacrifices of those who have given their lives in service of our country in many conflicts during our nation's history.

Memorial Day 2014 platform guests and speakers (seated l-r): Chaplain Bruce Malcolm, Vice Mayor Sarah Pelican, County Commissioner Steve Kelley, City Commissioner Charlie Corbett, Keynote speaker Madison Moore, singer Barbara Zak

The West Nassau High School JROTC presented the colors and Staples led the assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.  Barbara Zak of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 54 sand the National Anthem, followed by an invocation delivered by Bruce Malcolm, American Legion Post 54 Chaplin.

Vice Mayor Pelican reads city proclamation

Sarah Pelican, Vice Mayor of the City of Fernandina Beach, delivered a proclamation on behalf of the City Commission, expressing appreciation to those who have served on the nation's behalf.

Special guest speaker Tom Gora

Keynote speaker Madison Moore, Yulee High School, Class of 2017

Tom Gora, American Legion 5th District Department of Florida Commander was the special guest speaker who also introduced the keynote speaker, Madison Moore, Yulee High School Class of 2017.  Gora made passing reference to the recent problems surrounding the Veterans Administration, and Moore spoke to the importance of understanding the significance of events such as Memorial Day.The Daughters of the American Revolution, led by Regent Marie Santry, read the names on the Roll Call of Honor:  those local citizens who have died on active duty throughout American conflicts.

Local Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution

As the ceremony concluded audience members followed the speakers to the Amelia River boardwalk where they watched as Fernandina Beach Police placed a floating wreath in the river, followed by TAPS.

2014 Memorial Day observance concludes with laying of the wreath on the waters of the Amelia River.