Memorial Day is set aside each year to remember and honor those who died protecting the freedoms of America and Clermont has teamed up with local veterans to plan a perfect celebration.

The program will begin at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 30 and will feature a guest speaker, musical tributes, a rifle salute, military displays and much more.

“It is so very important we never forget that some men and women of the Armed Forces gave everything for this Country,” says Robert Mock, a retired Cryptologic Master Chief and a member of the South Lake Florida Base – Sub Vets. “It is our duty as Americans to ensure we never forget those who died and that we pass down that responsibility to remember and honor to our younger generations.”

Windermere resident and decorated Navy veteran Captain Matt “Smoker” Robinson will be the keynote speaker. In his career, Captain Robinson has more than 400 carrier landings and nearly 2,000 hours of jet flight time. He continues to serve his country in the Navy Reserves where he supports the Naval Air Systems Command as the NAVAIR liaison to NATO.

Remembrances including the Battlefield Cross, Missing Man Table and Honors, Meaning of the 13 folds of the U.S. Flag and A Mother’s Tears will be part of the program. The Quilts of Valor Foundation will also make a special presentation to a Clermont resident.

The free event will be held at the Highlander Building Pavilion, 330 Third Street.

Members of the South Lake Florida Base – SubVets, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #5277 and the Marine Corp League joined forces with students from the Clermont Sea Cadets Battalion and South Lake High School NJROTC to organize, plan and deliver the program.

For more information, please call 352-708-5975