JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — This weekend millions of people flocked to parades to honor veterans across the country and thousands of veterans walked in those parades to be honored for their service to our country.
Jacksonville had a large parade as well and at the same time as that parade, another smaller, yet just as significant ceremony was taking place elsewhere in the city.
The bell rang precisely at 11:01am to recognize 12 residents of Windsor at Ortega Assisted Living and Memory Care who are also veterans.
"It's with deep gratitude and immense respect that I stand before you today in the presence of true heroes, our veterans who reside here at Windsor at Ortega," said Lisa Doerler, executive director at Windsor Ortega, "their bravery, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to our nation is not forgotten."
Part of the ceremony included the unveiling of their Wall of Honor, which includes pictures of the residents now, as well as when they served decades ago.
"Just being part of the best country in the world, you really can't say enough," said resident and veteran Bill Billy, "it's just a wonderful experience."
American Legion Auxiliary post 372 built the wall and each veteran resident was honored with a plaque for their service.
"Freedom only lasts one generation," said resident and veteran Joseph Stokes, "you have to stay with it so I encourage young people today to back the military."
Windsor at Ortega's oldest resident is Hazel Womble. At 103 years young she proudly walked to the front of the ceremony to be honored for 8 years as an operating room nurse in the Navy.
"I'm glad that I could go," said Womble, beaming with pride of what she did more than half a century ago.
These veterans were the center of attention for the day.
"It's unbelievable, this has been the most beautiful presentation I can imagine," said Billy, who served on the USS Midway, "I appreciate all these people taking the time to honor us and they all need to be honored also."
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