11 community members on stage posing for a photo

Orange County Honors Fallen Patriots During War Memorial Commemoration Ceremony

Community & Services

The Orange County Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Council hosted the annual War Memorial Commemoration Ceremony at the Orange County Courthouse on Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, to honor the legacies of the fallen servicemen and women from the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard.

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, Senator Victor Torres, Jr., State Representative Robert “Bobby” Olsewski, members of the Board of County Commissioners and other local elected officials joined military families at the event to commemorate Memorial Day in Orange County.

“This day of remembrance is set aside to honor those who have given, as President Abraham Lincoln once proclaimed, ‘the last full measure of devotion’ for the family and county they hold so dear, Mayor Jacobs said. “Remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice is a sacred duty. To all those who willingly gave their lives to protect our freedom, our nation is deeply and eternally grateful for your sacrifice.”

The ceremony’s keynote speaker was former U.S. Marine, Allie L. Braswell, Jr. He also serves as a Civilian Aide to the secretary of the Army for the region.

“Memorial Day gives us the opportunity to stop and think about those brave Americans who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our great nation,” Braswell said. “Many of you may know of the history of this holiday, it truly is about the sacrifice that many have made, and others are making, each and every day.”

Braswell joined Mayor Jacobs, along with the Orlando Unit of the Young Marines, in the laying of a commemorative wreath, which was followed by the playing of “Taps.”

Retired U.S. Army Colonel Edwin R. Marrero, Orange County Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Council Chair, hosted the ceremony. Retired U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Tommie Maldonado lead the Pledge of Allegiance, and Cindy Clark from the Orange County Sherriff’s Office performed the national anthem. Additionally, Ellouise Hall member of the Daughters of the American Revolution provided the invocation, and Retired U.S. Army First Sgt. Dalia Espeur-Jones provided the benediction.

After the event, Mayor Jacobs met with families and active duty military and veterans in the audience.

Photo Caption: Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs and the Orange County Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Council honored fallen patriots at the annual War Memorial Commemoration Ceremony at the Orange County Courthouse.

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