The Florida National Cemetery Joint Veterans Service Committee (JVSC) will sponsor the annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Florida National Cemetery on Monday, May 27, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. Lt Gen Michael T. Plehn, Military Deputy Commander of U.S. Southern Command, will be the Keynote Speaker. Tim Ryan, USAF Veteran and son of World War II parents, will be the Guest Speaker.
Steve Jerve of WFLA TV News Channel 8 (Tampa) will be the Master of Ceremonies. There will be patriotic music prior to, and during the ceremony. Patriotic songs during the ceremony will be performed by Linda Burnette. Isaac Bobonis and Corey Lowery will play Taps. There will be a cannon salute by North-South Skirmish Association and a presentation of colors by the Arena Wranglers of the Blue Moon Ranch from Wildwood, and flags from various military organizations. Guests are invited to arrive early and enjoy the patriotic and inspirational musical prelude which will begin shortly before the ceremony. Those attending are encouraged to arrive early, wear comfortable clothing, and bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit upon since seating is limited. The ceremony begins promptly at 11:00 a.m. – rain or shine.
The Joint Veterans Service Committee and the Florida National Cemetery extend an invitation to all veterans’ organizations and the general public to take this opportunity to remember and honor the men and women who served and gave so much to protect our great nation. Organizations with colors are invited to participate in the massing of colors at the beginning of the program. Veterans’ organizations should plan to arrive by 9:30 a.m.
The Avenue of Flags consisting of approximately 400 flags will be on display along the roadways of the cemetery. These flags were donated to the cemetery by the next of kin of deceased veterans and were once draped over the caskets or cremation urns of veterans.
For further information please contact the administration office M-F at 352-793-7740 between the hours of 8 am to 4:30 pm