Residents of Cypress Village gathered May 21 in front of the Veterans Recognition Wall to induct new names to the wall of honor and to celebrate Armed Forces Day.
Jim Jandreau, Veterans Committee chair, led the Pledge of Allegiance and the induction of new names to the digital display.
“Today is Armed Forces Day, always on the third Saturday of May,” he said. “I cannot better describe the honoring of our women and men in our armed forces than what former President Ronald Reagan said 41 years ago. Today, their job is vitally important — their sacrifice and patriotism make it possible for those of us who are civilians to go about our everyday lives. Their commitment keeps our nation strong and our future free. Today, millions of Americans are honoring the dedicated men and women who serve in our armed forces. Like me, they're saying with gratitude, with respect and affection in their hearts. Today, I want all those wearing American uniforms around the globe to know: America is grateful to you — and proud of you, too.”
The wall was created as a collaboration with Cypress Village management and the Veterans Committee. The display was created by resident Mike Boutin and the Community Life Services Department to include the names of all active veteran residents and employees, widows and widowers, along with their branch of service.
The vinyl presentation of the United States flag along with the iconic scene of the flag raising at Iwo Jima was designed by Fast Signs in Jacksonville. The bronze crests of each branch of service were special ordered by the residents through Metal Designs NY Inc. in New York. And the hand-stained wood frame was the work of resident Floren Fisher as a part of the Cypress Village Wood Workshop.
Eighteen names of veterans were added to the wall to celebrate their honor and service to our country. After the ceremony, residents gathered for photographs, shared stories of their service and participated in friendly banter between the different branches of the armed forces that were present.
A reception was held in Egret Hall to honor the recently departed veterans. The community will continue to update the names on the wall semi-annually on Armed Forces Day and Veterans Day.
