Both Palm Coast and Flagler County held ceremonies for Memorial Day on Monday, taking the time to pay tribute to those who’ve lost their lives in United States military duty. The Palm Coast ceremony was first, at Heroes Memorial Park just down the street from the public library. Its main speaker was Mayor David Alfin.
Subsequently held was Flagler County’s ceremony, held at the Government Services Building in Bunnell. Special guests included retired Marine Colonel Mark Thieme and two local relatives of Cpl. Owen Garnet, who gave his life in the Vietnam War.
The Palm Coast Community Chorus performs. ⓒ AskFlaglerThe Presentation of the colors by the Matanzas High School Junior ROTC. ⓒ AskFlaglerThe laying of a wreath at one of Heroes Memorial Park’s three memorial statues. ⓒ AskFlaglerPalm Coast City Council member Cathy Heighter pays tribute her son, Raheen Tyson Heighter, who was killed in Iraq in 2003. ⓒ AskFlaglerPalm Coast Mayor David Alfin lays a wreath. ⓒ AskFlaglerFlagler Sheriff Rick Staly pays his respects. ⓒ AskFlaglerPalm Coast Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill pays his respects. ⓒ AskFlaglerPalm Coast Mayor David Alfin and Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill. ⓒ AskFlaglerDozens of community members attended Palm Coast’s ceremony. ⓒ AskFlaglerVeterans from differing walks of life assembled to pay tribute to those who didn’t make it home. ⓒ AskFlaglerThe memorials for law enforcement, military, and fire personnel in Heroes Memorial Park. ⓒ AskFlaglerResidents line up to pay tribute. ⓒ AskFlaglerAll gave some, some gave all. ⓒ AskFlaglerThe centerpiece of Flagler County’s Memorial Day ceremony. ⓒ AskFlaglerDressed to their best. ⓒ AskFlaglerLocal Boy and Girl Scouts troops led the Pledge of Allegiance. ⓒ AskFlaglerFlagler County Commission Chair introduced the ceremony. ⓒ AskFlaglerThe presentation of the colors. ⓒ AskFlaglerA representative of the Veterans Crisis Line ⓒ AskFlaglerAt the ready. ⓒ AskFlaglerPaying tribute. ⓒ AskFlaglerMelanie DiMartino performs the Star-Spangled Banner. ⓒ AskFlaglerFlagler County FireFlight displays the flag. ⓒ AskFlaglerFlagler Beach City Commissioner Jane Mealy speaks. ⓒ AskFlaglerThe flags at half-staff. ⓒ AskFlaglerIn recognition of Cpl. Owen Garnet, killed in Vietnam, his sister Julia Moore and his niece, County Judge Melissa Distler, speak about his life. ⓒ AskFlaglerRemembering Owen Niel Grant. ⓒ AskFlaglerVince Cautero receives thunderous applause after his performance of “God Bless the U.S.A.” ⓒ AskFlagler
Chris Gollon is a Flagler County resident since 2004, as well as a staple of the local independent music scene and avid observer of Central Florida politics, arts, and recreation.
