A Memorial Day ceremony Monday morning in Cape Coral recognized and honored those in the military who have died serving our country.
The hour-long event, which began at 10 a.m. at the Coral Ridge Cemetery, consisted of the Pledge of Allegiance, speakers, the reading of names of deceased veterans and the playing of “Taps.” The ceremony also included a 21-gun salute, the release of 21 white doves and a solo performance from the Lee County Pipes & Drums.
Cape resident Nicole Meese attended the event with her sons, Tre, 4, and Nicholas, 2, and her parents. Meese’s grandfather, John Coltura, was a World War II veteran. She explained that back in Pennsylvania, it was tradition for the family to attend the local Memorial Day ceremony each year with her granddad.
“As a tribute to him, we come every year,” she said of stopping by the Cape event.
With family still serving in the military, including a cousin, Meese said it is good to know that her grandfather and other soldiers get the recognition that they deserve with these types of ceremonies.
“I know that my grandfather went through a lot of things,” she said, adding that the Cape event usually gets “a pretty good turnout of people.”
Pam Way, Meese’s mother, said her father used to participate in the local service in Pennsylvania.
“This is what America’s all about,” Way said, adding that the Cape event takes her back.
“It feels like I’m at home,” she said.
George Cook of the Lee County Pipes & Drums wrapped up the ceremony with a solo performance. Cook, who served in the Navy from 1965-69, said this was the first year that he was asked to play.
“It’s great. I’m very proud of my service,” he said. “So it’s a nice combination.”
Cook called the turnout great. Having performed at this year’s Memorial Day ceremony at Centennial Park in Fort Myers, he said it seemed as if more people showed up for the Cape event. He said he heard an estimated 200 people attended the Fort Myers ceremony.
“I don’t think it was this big,” Cook said.
“This is a nice event,” he added.
Another veteran present Sunday was Cape resident Glenn Heisler, with his son, Jeremy. This was Heisler’s first time at the Cape event. He served in the U.S. Air Force for 10 years, from 1976-1986.
“I missed it last year,” Heisler said. “I wanted to make it this year.”
He said he enjoyed the ceremony.
“I thought it was great,” Heisler said. “I think all veterans need to be recognized.”