- May 22, 2026
-
-
Loading
Loading
Gold Star family members and this year’s speakers released doves at the conclusion of the Woodlawn ceremony.
Orlando Concert Band member Dennis Jeter performed on both an instrument and vocals at Woodlawn’s ceremony.
Woodlawn Funeral Director Qwanza Sanders served as emcee for this year’s Memorial Day ceremony.
Members of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Color Guard presented the colors at Woodlawn’s ceremony.
Members of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Color Guard presented the colors at Woodlawn’s ceremony.
Boy Scout Troop 922 members gave flowers to Gold Star families in attendance at Woodlawn’s ceremony.
Joseph Fink, director of strategic security and manager of the Internal Affairs Bureau, was the first speaker at Woodlawn’s ceremony.
Gold Star Brian Freid spoke about his stepson, Paul Joseph Webber Jr., at Woodlawn’s ceremony.
Florida state Rep. Leonard Spencer attended Woodlawn’s ceremony.
World War II veteran Melvin Jenner flew 46 combat missions in the skies over Nazi-occupied Europe as an aerial gunner. He received a standing ovation at Woodlawn’s ceremony.
Retired U.S. Army Col. Calvin B. Wimbish gave an inspired speech at Woodlawn’s ceremony.
Val and Jerry Demings attended Woodlawn’s ceremony.
Windermere High JROTC presented the Wreaths of Remembrance at Woodlawn’s ceremony.
Former Apopka Mayor Bryan Nelson was one of six keynote speakers at Woodlawn’s ceremony.
Purple Heart recipient Alexander Teschner spoke of his experiences at the Abbey Gate attack in 2021. He was one of the featured speakers at Woodlawn’s ceremony.
The American Legion Chapter 331 performed a rifle volley and 21-gun salute at Woodlawn’s ceremony.
Pastor Mark Goff, left, directed the Family Church of Windermere choir, which performed at Woodlawn’s ceremony.
A member of the Orlando Concert Band performed taps at Woodlawn’s ceremony.
Orange County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unity performed a flyover at Woodlawn’s ceremony.
Wheels 4 Christ Chaplain Fred Stone revved the engine of his motorcycle as an Orange County Sheriff’s Office helicopter completed its flyover over Woodlawn.
The Orlando Concert Band performed a variety of patriotic music at Woodlawn’s ceremony.
Woodlawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home hosted its 76th annual Memorial Day Service at 10 a.m. Monday, May 25, at the cemetery.
This year’s ceremony, hosted by Woodland Funeral Director Qwanza Sanders, featured six keynote speakers, performances by the Orlando Concert Band and the Family Church of Windermere choir, a 21-gun salute by the American Legion Chapter 331 and much more.
As always, Woodlawn honored attending Gold Star families during a Roses of Remembrance ceremony.
Several local organizations participated in this year’s service, including Scouts USA troops 210 and 922. The Orange County Sheriff's Office Color Guard and the Windermere High School JROTC presented the colors.
Keynote speakers included World War II veteran Mel Jenner, Purple Heart recipient Alexzander Teschner, retired U.S. Army Col. Calvin B. Wimbish, Gold Star stepfather Brian Freid, former Apopka Mayor Bryan Nelson, and Joseph Fink, director of strategic security and manager of the Internal Affairs Bureau.
The ceremony culminated with the playing of taps, an Orange County Sheriff’s Office helicopter flyover and a dove release.
