Congressman Daniel Webster gave a speech at the Independence Day ceremony at Veterans’s Memorial Park, surprising the park with a gift Tuesday morning.
A full crowd came out for the celebration despite the high temperatures to honor America’s birthday and those who have died fighting for freedom.
VMP President Richard Simpson began the ceremony with a welcome speech, followed by an Honor Guard flag post.
Each veteran organization presented their flags and an invocation given by VMP Chaplain Tom Miller came afterward.
VMP Secretary Judith Martin recited the Pledge of Allegiance and Colton Baldwin sang a heartfelt rendition of the National Anthem. He later delivered an emotional performance of Amazing Grace.
The Villages Sounds of Scotland performed Yankee Doodle Dandy and Amazing Grace on the bagpipe as many honored those who are currently serving right now.
Connie Dunn designed and prepared a wreath, which was presented by the Honor Guard, and received a thank you by the VMP’s president.
Congressman Daniel Webster was the guest speaker for the ceremony and discussed the “cost of freedom,” in which many men and women pay to keep Americans safe and free. Webster then surprised the park with a gift of an American flag that was flown at the Capitol building on Memorial Day.
VMP’s President Simpson accepted the flag on behalf of the park, and the new flag was flown.
“A man who has nothing which he cares about more than his personal safety is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself,” Webster quoted John Stuart Mill who was referenced in a Ronald Reagan speech.
Korean War Marines veteran Ralph Hoffman was honored at the ceremony for his service and dedication to veterans’ affairs even after his retirement in 1989 from the military.