OS91 attends Ocoee Memorial Service

Ed Ganster with Ocoee Mayor Scott Vandergrift and 

Keynote Speaker Heinie Heinzelman

A beautiful Memorial Day Ceremony was held in Ocoee this morning at the Starke Lake Gazebo next to City Hall. The keynote speaker for the Memorial Day Ceremony was Heinie Heinzelman. Mr. Heinzelman was born in Columbus, Ohio, enlisted in the Marine Corps and served on active duty from 1957 to 1960. Currently, Mr. Heinzleman volunteers his time at the Veterans Affairs Community Living Center and travels to greet troops returning home from Afghanistan. “I love my country and I love giving back to our troops and our veterans,” said Mr. Heinzleman.  “The Orlando VA center is a place where America takes care of its military heroes who need our help now.  The patients I have the honor and privilege of working with are from every branch of our armed forces and from every war.  Being raised by depression-era WW II parents gives me first-hand knowledge of our modern, if not all-time, greatest generation.” 

Ocoee Police Officer Duane Hunt singing National Anthem

Ocoee Police Officer Duane Hunt performed a touching rendition of our National Anthem. Mayor Scott invited each attendee to introduce him or herself and say why they came. Veterans from several Wars plus Ocoee Police and Fire Departments gathered to remember those who gave their lives for our freedom.

Ocoee Veteran Memorial Garden

At the end of the Ceremony, all the attendees took a small flag and walked from the Gazebo to the Veterans Memorial where each put their flag in the ground surrounding the flowers. The Ocoee Police Honor Guard did the Flag Raising Ceremony, leaving the Flag at half mast. Thank you Mayor Scott!