The Remembering Florida’s Fallen photo exhibit opens Friday at the Oldsmar Public Library, and the city’s annual Gold Star Mother’s and Families Day ceremony is set to take place on Sunday, September 25 at Veterans Memorial Park.
It’s no secret that Oldsmar is committed to honoring America’s veterans, from the many special veterans ceremonies held at its spectacular veterans park and recognition as a Purple Heart community, to the subject of the city’s first-ever public art project.
That commitment will be on full display over the next two weeks, as the Remembering Florida’s Fallen photo exhibit opens on Friday afternoon, and runs through September 30, at the Oldsmar Public Library and the city’s hosts its fifth annual Gold Star Mothers and Families Day ceremony at Veterans Park on Sunday, September 25.
“The exhibit is a beautiful, attractive setup that was put together by Curlew Hills Memory Gardens president and CEO Keenan Knopke, by hand, by himself,” Gold Star Mothers of Tampa Bay president Toni Gross told Oldsmar Connect.
“There are photos of roughly 300 of Florida’s fallen heroes, along with their name, age, date of death and how they were killed,” she added.
“It’s a truly moving display. Keenan has such an amazing passion for veterans and the families of the fallen. It’s really remarkable.”
Gross, whose late son, Army SPC Frank Gross, is the subject of the city’s first public art project, said the highlight of the two-week-long display is a ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled for Saturday, September 24 at 4:30 p.m.
During the ceremony, many Gold Star family members will be on hand to see the exhibit and hear special presentations from distinguished veterans, including WWII Medal of Honor recipient Hershel Woody Williams.
“There’s quite a lineup of guest speakers scheduled,” Gross said, noting the event will be outside at the library under a covered tent.
“We’re really looking forward to it, especially since many of the Gold Star families will be able to attend with the ceremony taking place the next day.”
That ceremony, as always, should be another stirring tribute to local soldiers who gave their lives for their country, and the incredibly strong network of families and friends they leave behind.
In addition to local politicians, veterans and other military officials, Gross said there is a special guest scheduled to appear this year—renowned artist and ice sculptor Rolando De La Garza, a.k.a. Reverend Butter.
“I emailed him and said would you consider doing this event and he replied and said he’d love to,” Gross said of the Houston native, who is known for his work with veterans and intricate ice carving skills.
“So he will be flying in just to do this event.”
Gross said she’s not sure how De La Garza will work his icy magic in the Sunshine State, but she had a suggestion for attendees.
“We might have to wear swimsuits just to be safe!” she joked.
For more information on the Remembering Florida’s Fallen exhibit, including tour times and donation information, visit the organization’s national website, Remembering Our Fallen.org.
For more information on the Gold Star Mothers and Families ceremony, visit the American Gold Star Mothers Tampa Bay website or myoldsmar.com.
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