Ceremony to be held at Chaplain J.D. Hamel Park at conclusion of parade
The City of Sarasota, in conjunction with the Sarasota Patriotic Observance Committee, will host the annual Memorial Day parade at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 26, in downtown Sarasota, the city has announced.
The parade will start at the intersection of Main Street and Osprey Avenue and conclude at Chaplain J.D. Hamel Park, which stands at the intersection of Main Street and Gulfstream Avenue, a news release notes. A ceremony will be held at approximately 11 a.m. in the park, the release adds. Members of the public are encouraged to attend both events, the release points out.
“This year’s guest speaker will be Sonny Bywaters,” the release continues. In 1980, Bywaters helped found the Sarasota Patriotic Observance Committee, the release says. Over the past 45 years, it notes, he “has dedicated his time to honoring our nation’s heroes.” Bywaters joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1959, the release adds. After he was promoted to corporal, it points out, he “served on the aircraft carrier USS Boxer during the Cuban Missile Crisis.”
Bywaters left the service in 1963 and then moved his family to Florida in 1969, eventually settling in Sarasota, the release adds. In 1976, he joined the American Legion and worked his way to becoming state vice commander, “earning him the prestigious honor of Life Membership,” the release says.
“The parade will include performances by the Sarasota Military Academy band and participation from local law enforcement agencies, first responders, color guards, veterans’ groups, community organizations, and local dignitaries,” the release points out.
“Commercial vehicles will not be allowed to participate in the parade,” the release notes. “In addition, parade participants are prohibited from throwing objects, including candy, to the crowd.”