On Veterans Day, Mizner Park in Boca Raton became a gathering place for the community to honor those who have served the United States. The annual Red, White, and Boca ceremony drew hundreds of residents, veterans, active‑service members, and young people planning future military careers.
Veterans and families share reflections
“The heart and soul of this country,” said Rosalie Elias, whose father was a veteran, as she looked on at the crowd. Army veteran Sgt. Larry Williams added, “What our nation stands for and what it’s built on, I guess.” Fellow veteran Peter Elias echoed the sentiment, noting, “We all wanted to serve. We love our country. And we’re so lucky to be in this country.”
City Council member Stacy Sipple emphasized the importance of remembering service members, stating, “This is important, so veterans do not feel forgotten. And to thank them for their service to our country, for our freedom.” Her remarks set the tone for a day focused on gratitude and community unity.
Speeches, music, and future service members
Throughout the event, veterans took the podium to speak about the meaning of service and sacrifice. Their stories were interwoven with performances by local musical groups, including a patriotic set by Belladiva and a barbershop chorus that sang traditional tunes.
Representatives of the current armed forces also shared their perspectives. Army soldier Maria Alcantara said, “To appreciate the ones that came before me and all the sacrifices they gave so I can be here now.” Prospective service members added their own hopes: Beto Escobedo, who plans to join the Navy, expressed gratitude for his family’s military legacy, while Mia Pyenson, aspiring to the Coast Guard, said, “I would love to continue that for my future generation if I ever get that chance. To me, that’s a really important factor.”
Closing tribute
The evening concluded with Belladiva leading the audience in the anthems of each military branch, inviting veterans to stand and be recognized. Councilmember Sipple summed up the sentiment, “It makes me proud that they answered their country’s call.” The ceremony reinforced Boca Raton’s commitment to honoring those who have defended liberty and to inspiring the next generation of patriots.
Local residents left the park with a renewed sense of appreciation for the sacrifices made by veterans and active‑service members alike, underscoring the community’s shared values of faith, family, and individual liberty.
Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.
