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Highlands Today

Community Pays Respects To Veterans

Bill Rettew Jr./Highlands Today

Veteran and Mayor George Hensley addressed a large crowd on Monday, at the Veterans Beach site of the Purple Heart Memorial.

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By Bill Rettew Jr. | Highlands Today

Published: November 13, 2007

SEBRING — Iraq War veteran Joshua Gdovin was pleased and a little surprised when a child greeted him with thanks at a Veterans Day ceremony at Veterans Beach on Monday.

The Avon Park Battery "B" 3-116 Field Artillery National Guard member attended the ceremony on the shores of Lake Jackson, along with about 150 others, many dressed in uniform.

"The kids came up and shook hands and I was so proud of what's going on," said the 22-year old who joined the service in 2003. "The more people here, the better."

Like many with similar thoughts, Gdovin said he was moved to hear "Taps" played at the close of the ceremony.

"It was a little rough to take having been to a few funerals of friends," said Gdovin.

Guest speaker and Sebring Mayor George Hensley, Capt., USNR (Ret.), saluted the "spirit and pride" of the "heroes of wars...so we could stand here in freedom.

"No words could say thank you enough. Those who serve will not be forgotten."

Joseph A. Dionne, Sgt. Maj. U.S. Army (Ret.) and Highlands County Veteran Services officer, led the ceremony.

Betsy Waddell, CPO, U.S. Navy (Ret.) and president of the Veterans Council of Highlands County spoke from the podium about serving the United States.

"We honor both the heroes of our past and the heroes of the future," said Waddell.

Fred Arbelo, commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, helped to re-dedicate the park's Purple Heart Memorial with Hank Marsh Sr., vice commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

"If (the memorial) could be seen by all, maybe peace would come in our lifetimes," said Arbelo.

Shannon Marrero sang both the national anthem and "God Bless America" and talked about singing for a patriotic audience as a non-veteran.

"I feel it's very much an honor," said Marrero. "It's an opportunity and not everybody gets to represent their country."

The invocation was presented by Rev. R.E. Snidow, chaplain Military Order of the Purple Heart.

The Posting of the Colors and a 21-gun salute was by the VFW 4300 Honor Guard.

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