Green Cove Springs honors veterans

The opening ceremony began with an invocation followed by the Naval Hospital Jacksonville Color Guard parading the colors as the Clay County Community Band played the national anthem. A special fly-by by a Coast Guard helicopter brought many cheers from the hundreds of spectators at the event.

After recognizing the dignitaries in attendance, Green Cove Springs Mayor John Buchanan then presented NAS Jax Executive Officer Capt. Chuck Tamblyn, Fleet Readiness Center Southeast Executive Officer Capt. Timothy Mathews and several other local military representatives with a special proclamation designating May 28, 2007 as Military Service Day in the city.

"From the city of Green Cove Springs and the entire city staff, I welcome you to the historical 19th annual Riverfest. A special welcome goes out to everyone in attendance who have served or are currently serving in our armed forces. We are grateful to you for your service and the contributions and sacrifices that our armed forces have made for our freedoms," said Buchanan. "As citizens of the United States,

Green Cove Springs honors veteranswe are very fortunate to live in a country where we can have freedoms and privileges. The slogan 'Lest we Forget' was adopted as a theme for our annual Memorial Day festival to ensure that we do not forget the veterans who have given their lives and who have served our country."

NAS Jax Executive Officer Capt. Chuck Tamblyn gives his remarks during the 19th annual Memorial Day Celebration in Green Cove Springs Monday.

Following Buchanan's heartfelt speech, Tamblyn took the podium. ''Memorial Day has been widely celebrated in this great country since 1868. It is a time for everyone to pause and reflect on the sacrifices of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who have paid the ultimate price to ensure our freedom and preserve our way of live," remarked Tamblyn. "Some of my fondest memories involve decorating my bicycle and participant in Memorial Day parades in a small community much like this one. It truly is an honor to stand here and accept this proclamation on behalf of veterans who have proudly served and those active duty forces who continue to do so.''

Green Cove Springs Mayor John Buchanan presents a special proclamation designating May 28 as Military Service Day to Fleet Readiness Center Southeast Executive Office Capt. Timothy Mathews during the ceremony.

City representatives then recognized all veterans in the crowd by presenting them with flags and having them state their names and dates they served. They ranged from veterans serving in World War II to those currently on active duty.

"Over the years, our nation has been blessed by men and women like you who have prepared to lay down their lives on the altar of freedom to uphold the ideals of our country so that we could not only live in peace but to pass that cherished freedom on to our children," added Buchanan. "As we give thanks that we live in a nation of liberty that is imperiled in most countries we want to recognize your valiant service and express our heartfelt appreciation for your sacrifice that has ensured our right and freedom. May God bless you."