News Summary
Tampa’s 28th Memorial Day Observance ceremony paid tribute to Gold Star families, recognizing their sacrifices at Veterans Memorial Park. Special guests, a traditional rifle salute, and a community cleanup effort were part of the commemorative event. The gathering provided comfort and support to attendees, including Gold Star families who shared their personal experiences of loss. The ceremony underscored the community’s commitment to honoring veterans and the importance of remembering those who served.
Tampa Honors Gold Star Families at Memorial Day Observance
Tampa held its 28th annual Memorial Day Observance ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Park & Rear Admiral LeRoy Collins, Jr. Veterans Museum. The event took place on Sunday at 10 a.m., bringing together community members to honor the sacrifices made by service members and their families.
During the ceremony, family members of Gold Star families were recognized with “Garden of Gold” pictorial flags that stand as a tribute to their fallen loved ones. An enormous American flag, stretching over 150 feet tall, was prominently displayed at the entrance of Veterans Memorial Park, enhancing the solemn atmosphere of the event.
Special guests included Col. Jeff J. Mrazik, the Commander of the 6th Operations Group at MacDill Air Force Base, and Retired U.S. Army Col. Alfred “Al” Carter, the Chief of Staff of the Florida Department of Veteran Affairs. The program featured a traditional rifle salute and the playing of taps, further commemorating the service and sacrifice of military personnel.
Community Participation and Cleanup Efforts
The Hillsborough County Veterans Memorial Park, located at 3602 U.S. 301 in Tampa, operates daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., welcoming visitors with free admission and parking. This year, the community came together not just for the observance ceremony, but also for a significant cleanup effort at the Memorial Park Cemetery previously held. More than 50 volunteers took part in the event, focusing on cleaning the gravestones of veterans, which included mentors from the Veterans Treatment Court, firefighters, Junior ROTC members, and local leaders.
The cemetery is home to an estimated 500 headstones, and the volunteers aimed to enhance the site’s appearance by cleaning all of them in a single day. Lindsey Baraty, the cemetery coordinator, noted the rich history of veterans resting within the grounds, while Judge Michael Scionti highlighted the mission of honoring and remembering those who served, emphasizing a commitment to “leave no veteran behind.”
Honoring Personal Loss
Among the attendees was Craig Gross, a Gold Star father, who performed an original song in memory of his son, Cpl. Frank Robert Gross, who lost his life in Afghanistan in 2011. Craig and his wife, Toni Gross, founded Gold Star Awareness to educate the public on the significance of being a Gold Star family. Toni is also a member of American Gold Star Mothers, striving to ensure that the memories of fallen soldiers are preserved and their names are continuously spoken.
Another attendee, Army Veteran Anette Kirk, honored her son who was killed in action in 2010, sharing her experience and loss with others. The ceremony proved to be a source of comfort and support for Gold Star families, allowing them to connect and support one another during a difficult time.
A New Generation of Service
Among the attendees, Alexis Philippi, a senior at Robinson High School, expressed her commitment to join the Army, following in her father’s military footsteps. This sentiment echoed the event’s underlying theme of sacrifice and dedication that resonates not only through current military service members but also impacts their families and the community at large.
As Tampa continues to honor its veterans and Gold Star families, the community’s commitment to remembering those who served remains steadfast, showcasing a profound respect and appreciation for the sacrifices made in the name of freedom.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 News: Memorial Day Observance Ceremony
- ABC Action News: Honoring the Fallen
- Fox 13 News: Sarasota National Cemetery
- Wikipedia: Memorial Day
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Memorial Day
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
