Memorial Day Event Honors Those We Lost

Veterans Community Park was once again the site of the community’s Memorial Day Ceremony after being closed due to a major reconstruction. 

American Legion Post 404 Commander Lee Rubenstein welcomed residents and guests to the Memorial Day Celebration by requesting attendees rise as flag bearers posted flags representing the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force, and Civil Air Patrol flag. Attendees continued to stand as the Marco Island Police Honor Guard posted the colors and Rose Kramer sang the National Anthem.

The audience was treated to a flyover courtesy of the Marco Island Civil Air Patrol. The aircraft was piloted by Lt. Col. Robert Boone, Commander of the local squadron.

Joseph Varano and Harry Weathers of Post 404 also posted the symbolic “POW/MIA Chair” to signify the nation’s commitment to bring all combatants back from the “fields of battle.” Earlier this year, there was a dedication of a permanent chair donated to the city and placed in the Veterans Memorial area of the park. The addition of the symbolic artwork was made possible by the donation of Florida Chapter Five of Rolling Thunder Inc., which donates these pieces of art to be placed in prominent locations all over the nation.

1st Vice Commander of Post 404, John Apolzan, and Service Officer Lee Ross placed a Memorial Wreath from Marco Florist. The wreath was placed at the podium for the service and later donated to the city.

City Manager Mike McNees thanked Post 404 for arranging the Memorial Day.

Ceremony. He also commended the community residents for their efforts in supporting the creation of the Veterans Community Park as we see it today and the meaning of the holiday. 

Sadly, 33 members of Post 404 were lost over the last year. They were recognized during the service by Past Commander Joe Ricco of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Ricco would call out their names, and the Marco Fire Memorial Bell was rung after each name.

The Keynote speaker for the event was one of their own. Yvette Benarroch, who serves as the 2nd Vice Commander of Post 404, reflected on moving and obtaining citizenship from her home island of Puerto Rico after service in the United States Air Force. She was deployed during Operation Desert Shield/Storm to the Middle East.