A NIGHT-TIME VIEW OF THE MEMORIAL FLAGPOLE.
About 150 HP residents and guests gathered at the Oasis/Tiki on a beautiful March morning to witness the initial flag raising and dedication for the Veterans Memorial Flagpole. The Heritage Palms Veterans Association (HPVA) worked with the Club to sponsor, fund, and erect this fitting memorial to past, present, and future veterans.
COMMANDER; BILL BROPHY, QUARTERMASTER; RICH CRAWFORD, BOARD MEMBER: AND PAUL O’CONNELL, BOARD MEMBER. NOT PICTURED: BOARD MEMBERS ANDY JARABAK, BOB DETHLEFSEN, AND JEFF PAUL
An all-veteran Honor Guard from Cape Coral VFW, and a bagpiper from Guns and Hoses of SWFL, accompanied the flag to the flagpole and raised the colors while a bugler played To the Colors. Following the flag raising, I was deeply honored to lead the rest of the ceremony. After sharing a bit of history about the project, I thanked the 29 donors on behalf of HPVA who funded the project in its entirety for their amazing support. By funding in this manner, no monies were used that would normally be available to support veterans in SWFL.
Many people played an integral role in making this dream of the HPVA a reality. Club leadership under GM Traci Irons-Izzo was recognized, along with the HP Board and the Oasis Steering Committee. Many thanks go out to HP’s Director of Facilities, Kevin Ammon, who participated in every step along the way, from planning to completion.
Hugh Best (USN 1952-1955), HP’s most senior veteran, then came forward to unveil the memorial plaque on the flagpole base. Bagpiper Mike Harris played a medley of each of the service hymns to recognize all veterans. A moment of silence was then observed for all veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice. This was followed by the bagpiper playing Amazing Grace. At this point the Veterans Memorial Flagpole was officially dedicated with the following words:
“We hereby dedicate this Veterans Memorial Flagpole to honor all veterans who served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and in memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. May it perpetually fly our Colors as the emblem of the cause for which this wonderful country has fought, may it also be a beacon of hope and freedom for all who pass by.”
(L TO R): JOHN RINVIL, ASST. BRANCH MANAGER-FT MYERS;
SERGEY STUPANOB, BRANCH OPERATIONS;
RACHAEL ENSOR, ASST. BRANCH MANAGER-NAPLES;
BILL BROPHY; TRACY PATINO, SWFL MARKET MANAGER;
ROGER MOYER; AND MIKE BRAKE.
Following the dedication, I announced on behalf of HPVA: “To our wonderful Heritage Palms Community, the Heritage Palms Veterans Association presents this memorial gift.”
GM and US Marine Corps veteran Traci Irons-Izzo came forward to address the audience and express gratitude to all veterans and the HPVA for this project. She commented, “As the Stars and Stripes rose above our club this morning, let us carry its meaning into our daily lives – with kindness toward one another, pride in our community, and gratitude for the blessings we share here in SWFL. May we honor this flag not only in ceremony, but in the way we live each and every day – with our hearts full of respect and appreciation.”
HP Board President, Ron Assise, came forward to accept the gift of the flagpole to the Club. In his acceptance comments he said, “When we look at this flag, we are reminded of the courage and sacrifices of so many who came before us – brave men and women who served our country with honor, who worked to build stronger communities and who believed that the principals of liberty and justice were worth defending. Their effort allows us to enjoy the freedoms we can so easily take for granted.”
HPVA Commander Mike Brake then thanked all the attendees for their support over the years. The ceremony concluded with HP resident Marc Bubert singing an inspiring rendition of the National Anthem. Following the ceremony, the Club provided coffee and pastries for all attendees. The HPVA’s bank, DFCU Financial, handed out souvenir flags to all in attendance. We thank them for being a key sponsor for the HPVA.
