Fort Pierce, Fla. – On Wednesday afternoon, a crowd of community members assembled at the downtown park to honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces, as well as the families who support them. The ceremony, organized by local veterans groups and the American Legion, featured remarks from veterans of multiple eras, a prayer for a deployed service member, and a special appearance by a recent Marine graduate.
Veterans share personal reflections
Dennis Mallon, who served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968, spoke about the ultimate sacrifice of a close friend who died in the Marines. “I lost my best friend,” Mallon said, “and to this day I miss him.” His words set a solemn tone for the gathering.
Retired Army veteran Zachary Pressley added, “I’m out here to support the veterans, and everything turned out pretty nice. I’m glad to be a part of it.” Pressley’s comment highlighted the community’s commitment to recognizing service.
American Legion and prayer for the deployed
Cynthia Shelton, representing American Legion Post 171, reminded attendees that service continues beyond the ceremony. “One of our members is deployed at this time, so we are also keeping her in our prayers because the wars are always going to be there, so we have to always show up and do our part,” she said.
The gathering included a prayer led by a local pastor, asking for protection over the deployed service member and gratitude for those who have returned home.
Vietnam veteran reflects on progress
Vietnam‑era veteran Dave Kauffman, who served in 1968, reflected on how far the community has come. “When we came home from Vietnam, none of this existed. We were not welcomed home, and I think we learned from that, and we won’t make that mistake again. It’s heartwarming to see people coming out,” he said.
JROTC students and a new Marine share their gratitude
Members of Fort Pierce Central High School’s JROTC program attended, and recent graduate Private First‑Class Jason Salinas, now serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, expressed his appreciation for the support. “It’s great that they’re still doing things like this because it not only shows appreciation and love that we show due to the loss of veterans that we have, I’m so thankful that I’m here and able to follow in their footsteps,” Salinas said. He added, “I’m so thankful for the opportunity I was given and blessed with by not only my friends and family and the people that support me but also to God that gave me the opportunity to raise my right hand and take it further on.”
Guest speaker honors service
The ceremony’s guest speaker, Sergeant Major Brian Huston (Retired, U.S. Army), delivered a message of gratitude, thanking veterans and current service members for answering the call to protect the nation.
Attendees left the event with a renewed sense of community pride and a shared commitment to supporting those who have served and continue to serve. The gathering underscored Fort Pierce’s longstanding tradition of honoring military sacrifice and reinforcing the bonds between veterans, their families, and the broader community.
Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.
