Marco Island Veterans Park was filled with community members of all ages on Monday, coming together to honor the brave men and women who have served our country. The annual Veterans Day celebration paid tribute to those who sacrificed for freedom with heartfelt moments, patriotic displays, and stories of service from veterans.
The ceremony opened with the Marco Island Fire Department raising the American flag, followed by a presentation of colors from the color guard, a flyover from the Marco Island Senior Squadron, prayers, speeches, and a moving musical salute to all branches of the military.
Lee Rubenstein, Commander of American Legion Post 404, has been helping organize this celebration for years. He reminded us what this day truly means.
“It’s a special day for veterans,” Rubenstein said. “And it’s not a day to get a discount at a restaurant or buy furniture or something, but it’s a day if you know a veteran to go think of them, and that's what it’s all about, and then people come out because they support our veterans.”
Among those in the crowd was 94-year-old David Gardner, a Korean War veteran who served as a combat medic. Gardner shared that his memories of the war are still with him.
"I was a combat medic,” Gardner said. “I was the guy that when somebody got shot, I had to run out in the mud and get him...and try to patch him up.”
John Reichenberg, a Vietnam War veteran and former crew chief with the First Air Cavalry, also attended. Reichenberg survived a helicopter crash with seven of his men, and now he honors those who weren't so lucky.
“Well, I lived in Maryland. I went to the wall every Memorial, Veteran’s Day. I got a lot of buddies on the wall, and I go say hello to them,” he said, getting emotional. “But it’s tough. Oh, I come here, since I’m living on Marco now, I come here every Veterans Day. So it’s not the same, but it’s close. It’s good friends, people you meet.”
Nicole Conway and her daughter, Stella, also attended, expressing their gratitude to the veterans.
“Thank you so much for allowing us to be in this great country and have all of our rights,” said Nicole. Stella added, “Just thank you for serving the country and giving us freedom.”
This small island showed out big for this Veterans Day—remembering that freedom comes at a price, honoring it and celebrating it together.