An estimated 1,000 men, women and children will gather at Rockefeller Gardens on Monday, May 27, in loving memory of those whose supreme sacrifice protected privileges we still enjoy as a nation.
The debt can never be paid, but it is one that growing numbers of faithful citizens and visitors acknowledge each year through their presence at the Memorial Remembrance Services.
Whether a guest feels the awesome pride that is common at this gathering or feels a tear on their cheek as some do, the most meaningful tribute that can be paid on all we owe our fallen heroes is found in being among other caring citizens during the remembrance to honor those who years ago, or as recently as this very day, have made the supreme sacrifice.
Weeks of preparation by the volunteer Remembrance Committee each year has made this event increasingly popular and widely respected.
World War II Admiral Chester Nimitz defined the reason for remembering in a manner that has not faded:
“They fought together as brothers-in-arms…
They died together and now they sleep side-by-side,
To them, we have a solemn obligation.”
Dignity, respect and love describe the humility with which this annual program is presented. There are no bikini contests, athletic competitions or other causes. Focus remains solemn and dignified.
The uncompromised purpose is to honor the selflessness and bravery with which over a million men and women throughout our history have laid down their lives for our freedom.
Symbols of liberty will overflow into every corner of the plaza as numerous military color guards and color corps enter and assume their positions at the center of activities. Additional groups, including Boy Scouts will join them.
Guest speaker for the 2019 event is Colonel Kimberley A. Ramos, United States Air Force, retired. Her last assignment was as the commander of Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) Detachment 157 located on the campus of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Prior to her assignment as the AFROTC Commander at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, she served as the Director of Communications and Chief Information Officer, Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. She was responsible for operational policy, strategic guidance, planning and programming, and information management supporting more than 684 Reserve units, which included 43 flying wings and approximately 70,000 personnel.
Colonel Ramos was commissioned in 1988 following graduation from Syracuse University. Throughout her career, she has held a variety of assignments and leadership positions in the space, missile, and cyber/information fields. Colonel Ramos has commanded Bravo Company, Joint Communications Support Element, MacDill AFB, Tampa, Florida; the 65th Communications Squadron, Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal; the 336th Training Squadron at Keesler AFB, Mississippi; and the 82nd Mission Support Group at Sheppard AFB, Texas.
Colonel Ramos is married to Michael Miller of Lawton, Oklahoma.
Upon arrival to Rockefeller Gardens, guests will have been given a carnation. Final tribute is rendered as they move forward in succession, to place their flower beside the memorial flame as a personal “thank you” to those who gave their all.
As the last flower is placed, we the free will have honored the fallen with love, humility and gratitude.
This annual Memorial Remembrance Service takes place at 9 a.m. on Monday, May 27, in Rockefeller Gardens, 26 Riverside Drive in Ormond Beach. Rockefeller Gardens is located adjacent to The Casements at the southeast corner of the Granada Bridge (SR40).
For additional info, you may call Leisure Services at 386-676-3241.