'We remember, and we are grateful': Marion County gathers for annual Memorial Day ceremony

Members of the community gathered Monday at the Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park to honor and pray for those who died while serving the United States.

Shakeli Sims came to honor her late husband, U.S Army Pfc. Markie T. Sims, who died in combat in Afghanistan on Dec. 29, 2012, as the result of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED.) The Marion County man was 20 years old.

"It's still sad, but good that the community remembers," Shakeli Sims said. She was accompanied by their son, Kayden, 9.

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Here is how Monday's ceremony started

County Commission Chairman Carl Zalak III opened the ceremony and an invocation and benediction was offered by Bishop Isaiah Johnson of the Church of God.

The ceremony, a joint effort of Marion County Veterans Services, the Friends of Marion County Veterans Park Foundation and Hospice of Marion County, opened with a Color Guard by North Marion High School U.S. Air Force JROTC students.

Cadet Lt. Col. Wildes served as leader of the Color Guard and Cadet 2nd Lt. Jaiden Clements was lead rifle. Cadet Senior Airman Hayden McTierman and Cadet Staff Sgt. Yandle Morales rounded out the unit.

The keynote speaker, County Commissioner Michelle Stone, said: "We remember, and we are grateful" to those who gave their lives to protect and defend America.

Stone quoted scripture: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

"My heart goes out to families (who have lost loved ones). We have a responsibility to share (their) stories so we will remember," Stone said.

The placing of the memorial wreath

A memorial wreath was placed in the field in front of the pavilion. The Marion County Memorial Honor Guard, led by Lewis Alston, a Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War, fired a series of ceremonial rifle salutes.

After that, taps was played and John Earl performed "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes. A military flyover, including the missing-man formation, rounded out the 45-minute ceremony.

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The park support group, called the Friends of Marion County Veterans Park Foundation, unveiled two 10-foot-by-7-foot panels, part of a 10-panel group that feature the names and photos of over 330 service members from Florida who have died since 9/11 in the Global War on Terrorism.

Nathaniel "Nate" J.A. Schultz is one of the fallen soldiers honored on a panel. Schultz, 19, of Riverview , Florida, died Aug. 21, 2010, as the result of an IED in Afghanistan.

A hand-written card attached to the photo reads: "We Love You." The panels are kept at the park and will be a traveling exhibit in the area.

A “Fallen Marion County Heroes” monument in the park contains the names of service members from the county who have died in military service since 2001.

Among those listed: Chad Lake, Army, died 2005; Robert Blair, Army, 2006; Daniel A. Suplee, Army, 2006; William Crow Jr., Army, 2007; Jason Koutroubas, Army, 2007; Patrick Malone, Marine Corps, 2009; Gary Gooch Jr., Army, 2009; Markie T. Sims, Army, 2012; Roberto Skelt, Army, 2014; and Jalisha V. Tucker, Army, 2016.

'Those who didn't come home'

Hundreds of people were in attendance Monday, including many veterans, first responders and their families.

Among them were Glen Vaughan, drafted in 1958, who sat in full uniform to pay his respects, and Army veteran Tom Antor, who said he came to remember "those who didn't come home."

Steve Livesay with Legacy Veterans said his group would have attendees at Memorial Day ceremonies nationwide. Navy veteran Gilbert Rodriguez, 61, who has a service-connected disability, wore a shirt with graphics reminding others to be aware of PTSD.

Samuel Six, 19, wore a full dress blue Marine Corps uniform. He is in the reserves and is a member of the 4th Amphibious Assault Division based in Tampa.

Six said he has had other family members in the military, and he was pleased to support the ceremony in full uniform.

His father, Jay, proud of his son, stood next to him to honor the fallen.

Julie Jenkins came out to pay her respects along with her son, Aaron, 10.

"(This was) very touching. It's great to see the community come together and gather to remember (those who died for their country)," Julie Jenkins said.

Aaron added that the event was "awesome and touching.”

Marion County Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Robert Graff attended the ceremony with his wife, Nicole, and daughters Elizabeth, 14, and Gabriella, 11.

"My daughter Elizabeth is playing lead sax in the (Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band)." Graff said.

Nicole Graff found the ceremony a "wonderful" event.

Paul Jones, who served in the Army from 1968 to 1989, said the ceremony was an opportunity to honor “our fallen comrades.”

Peter Dan Arstale found the ceremony to be "very tearful and emotional," and Korean War veteran Ken Batzelle, 89, said “freedom isn’t free.”

A special addition to the park

During the ceremony, Logan Catalanotto, 18, of Scouts BSA Troop 72 of Ocala, was recognized for his Eagle Scout project, which involved major improvements to the east section of the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Park.

The project included raising about $32,000 to lay a 4,000-square-foot concrete pad to hold flagpoles for flags of each of the 50 States and a section of sidewalk to connect the park's flag court to the Medal of Honor Plaza.

Members of the Ocala Blue Star Mothers organization also were on hand Monday. The members of the support group have children currently serving in the military.

Libby Morgan, bassoon player with the KOS Concert Band, called the ceremony "emotional."

"No matter what other (events) I play in," she said, "I play in this ceremony."

This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Community and leaders in Marion County, Florida gather on Memorial Day