One by one, military veterans who are members of the town’s Veterans Committee, American Legion Post 144 or its Auxiliary, read the histories of Congressional Medal of Honor recipients who died in battle.
Their harrowing sacrifices were described during the Miami Lakes Memorial Day ceremony held at Mary Collins Community Center on May 25.
The event drew a crowd that filled a meeting room.
Mayor Josh Dieguez called veterans among “key pillars of the community” to be honored.
“When their country called, they answered,” Fla. Rep. Tom Fabricio said.
Judy Farcus Serra, of Headquarter Toyota and a major fundraiser for veterans causes, described the history of the day and told the crowd, “May we never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may live in freedom.”
The newly formed American Legion Post 144 Auxiliary presented a wreath, reminiscent of the one placed at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia every year.
It stood next to a battlefield cross sculpture that depicts a deceased soldier’s gear.
“The boots represent the final march of the soldier, the rifle stands for strength and duty, the helmet represents those who served and the dog tags remind us of the identity and sacrifice of each individual warrior,” said American Legion Vice Commander Fred Senra.
Senra, a partner with Miami Lakes AutoMall, sponsors the town’s Veterans Day parade and the tribute banners that hang along Miami Lakes Drive.
Ralph Rios, a student at Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High School, performed taps.
Also participating were the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Honor Guard; Sea Scouts Ship 144, the Unity and Valor Expo Team and Scout Troop 902.
American Legion Chaplain Ismo Guzman led the invocation. Riamonae sang an a cappella version of the national anthem.
Headquarter Toyota and Vicky Bakery sponsored the event.