It was a solemn atmosphere at Veterans Memorial Park Sunday for the Peace Officers Ceremony. Flags waved, heads were bowed and a crowd of over 150 veterans, police officers and residents came to show their respect to the fallen on duty police officers and K-9s from across the country in 2015.
Master of Ceremonies and Veterans Memorial Park President Richard Simpson led off the ceremonies with a welcome to everyone, reminding them of the sacrifice police officers make on a daily basis for the safety of the citizens.
The Veterans Memorial Park and Marion County Sheriff’s Color Guard presented the flags, followed by representatives of the Veteran Armed Forces carrying the Organization Flags representing Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Air Force.
Junior Vice Commander Joe Coop represented the Jewish War Veterans. He was touched by the wonderful display of respect and brotherhood the police have for each other.
Lt. William Woods of the Ocala Police Department commented on the turnout of officers.
“I am humbled in their presence,” he said. “They are heroes who walk among us. They face death with a quiet reserve everyday.”
Congressman Daniel Webster, representing the 10th District in Florida, talked briefly about support our police officers deserve.
Law enforcement officers from the Tri-County area read aloud the names of the 130-plus officers who were killed in the line of duty through out the United States in 2015. New this year was the reading of the names of the K-9’s nationwide that were also killed in action. Rosco, a 2-year member of the Fruitland Park K-9 unit, was present with his handler Sarah Lindeman.
“Roscoe is here to honor his fellow K-9 friends who have fallen as well.” she said
The ceremony concluded with a wreath being placed in front of Veteran’s Monument by the Ocala Police Department. The crowd sang “God Bless America” along with Dawn DiNome, a popular Villages entertainer.
As the crowd dispersed, many residents stopped to shake hands and thank the officers who attended the ceremony.
“It’s the least we can do,” Barb Wise of the Village of Orange Blossom Gardens said. “They do so much for us. It’s an honor to say thank you to them.”
