Oldsmar’s 2017 Memorial Day ceremony set for Monday, May 29 at 10am

Veterans Memorial Park is located at 250 Shore Drive E. in Oldsmar.

The City of Oldsmar will host its annual Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 29, 2017 at Veterans Memorial Park, located at 250 Shore Drive East.

According to city officials, the service will feature a keynote speaker dedicated to veterans rights as well as a special performance by a local singer.

“Residents are invited to attend the annual Memorial Day ceremony beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park,” Mayor Doug Bevis said in his Mayor’s Minute during the May 16 City Council meeting, adding the keynote speaker is Brian Anderson, CEO of Veterans Alternative, and local singer Malori Shaw will perform.

“Thank you to the Veterans Advisory Board for managing what is always a memorable event.”

According to his bio, Anderson retired from the United States Army after 14 years of service as both a green beret and a journalist.

Screenshot of Brian Anderson, a retired US Army Green Beret and CEO of Veterans Alternative, a nonprofit organization based in Holiday. (Credit: Veterans Alternative.org)

Anderson served 33 months in direct combat and earned 3 Bronze Stars, one with Valor, for his actions deployed as a green beret. He left active duty in 2012, joined the National Guard, and pursued his education in social work at St. Leo University.

In 2014, Anderson founded Veterans Alternative, a nonprofit organization based in Holiday that helps combat veterans find post-traumatic growth through the use of alternative therapies.

In addition to Anderson’s keynote speech, the Memorial Day service is scheduled to feature members of American Legion Post 238 performing the Presentation of Colors, and local singer Shaw singing the National Anthem to honor her brothers, Marine Corps Lance Corporal Brandon Gabardi and Marine Corps Sergeant Gerald Gabardi.

Shaw is the daughter of former Oldsmar Fire Captain, Gerald Gabardi.

City officials, including Mayor Bevis, are also scheduled to speak during the event.

Prior to Monday’s ceremony, Oldsmar will host the Honor Our Heroes 5K Memorial Run the morning of Saturday, May 27.

According to the city website,  the race is scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m, with an estimated finish time of 9:45 a.m. Roads along the route will remain closed until the last racer crosses the finish line.

Here’s a look at the course map for the Honor Our Heroes 5K Memorial Run.

If you go:

  • What: Oldsmar’s annual Memorial Day ceremony
  • When: Monday, May 29, 2017 beginning at 10:00 a.m
  • Where: Veterans Memorial Park, 250 Shore Drive E.
  • Cost: Free
  • Details: Oldsmar’s Veterans Memorial Park will be the site of another moving ceremony in honor those who have died while serving in America’s armed forces, as the city’s annual Memorial Day service is set to feature keynote speaker US Army Green Beret Brian Anderson (Ret.) as well as a performance of the National Anthem by local singer Malori Shaw. City officials, including Mayor Doug Bevis, will also be on hand to pay tribute to the fallen.
  • Info: Visit myoldsmar.com for more information

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