- June 12, 2025
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Retired Air Force Col. Mark Stephen saluted the flag while taps played.
Members of the Citrus Singers Girl Scouts Chorus harmonized while singing "America the Beautiful."
Congressman Daniel Webster, Orange Country District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson and Windermere Police Department Chaplain Andy Jones listened intently.
With the flag at half mast, Chaplain Andy Jones gave the invocation.
Gregg Anderson, the president of the Rotary Club of Windermere, welcomed people to the Memorial Day Observance at Town Hall.
Windermere Mayor Jim O'Brien said the town is committed to protecting the legacy of those who serve in the military.
Congressman Daniel Webster wanted to thank those "who gave their lives so we could be free."
Lukas Vasara, a cadet with the Lone Sailor Division, stood with pride while presenting the colors.
Rylan Chang, a cadet with the Lone Sailor Division, was focused while presenting the colors.
Retired Air Force Col. Mark Stephen encouraged everyone at Windermere Town Hall to offer their gifts and talents to make a positive impact.
Alaina Schroepfer with the Citrus Singers Girl Scouts Chorus gave it her all while singing "God Bless America."
Donnella Vasara, an auxiliary officer with the Lone Sailor Division, played taps.
Citrus Singers Girl Scouts Chorus members Lily Mejias, Gianna Senges, Natalia Vega and Alaina Schroepfer took the lead while singing "America the Beautiful," captivating the audience at Windermere's Memorial Day Observance.
Rylan Chang, Marcos Morales, Michael Montalvan and Lukas Vasara with the Windermere Lone Sailor Division presented the colors.
Windermere veterans Lt. General Jay Garner, Byron Sutton and Dewayne Thrift all served in the Vietnam War.
Nicole Wilson, Orange County District 1 commissioner, took a moment to share how much she loved the ceremony with Gregg Anderson, the president of the Rotary Club of Windermere.
Retired Air Force Col. Mark Stephen stood tall and saluted the American flag as Donnella Vasara, an auxiliary officer with the Lone Sailor Division, played taps.
"Today we must come face-to-face with the cost of our freedom," Stephen said to the dozens of people who attended the Windermere Memorial Day Observance Monday, May 26, at Town Hall.
In his tribute to the fallen heroes, Stephen shared the story of Lori Ann Piestewa, the first Native American woman to die in combat while serving in the military and the first woman killed in the Iraq War.
He said it was the men and women serving in the military like Piestewa that needed to be honored for their dedication and service to protecting the country.
Stephen went on to encourage people to offer their gifts and talents to make a positive impact.
Besides Stephen's tribute, the Memorial Day Observance included performances by the Citrus Grove Girl Scouts Choir, presentation of colors by cadets in the Lone Sailor Division and speeches from Congressman Daniel Webster, Windermere Mayor Jim O'Brien and Gregg Anderson, the president of the Rotary Club of Windermere. Windermere Police Department Chaplain Andy Jones gave the invocation.
