LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – Communities across Lake County came together Monday to honor America’s heroes on Veterans Day, with ceremonies in both Mount Dora and Tavares celebrating the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
At Gilbert Park in Mount Dora, families, veterans and city leaders gathered for the city’s annual Salute to Service event.
“Veterans Day is a special day for recognizing the men and women who have sacrificed,” said Mount Dora Fire Chief Joseph Hightower. “It’s important we come out and recognize what they’ve done.”
Despite the cold weather, residents and first responders filled the park to pay their respects. James Duffy, who attended to honor his father and friends who served, said the day is about reflection and gratitude.
“I think it’s important to come out and celebrate our veterans who sacrificed quite a bit,” Duffy said. “I just think it’s important to recognize what they did for the country.”
[WATCH: Orlando’s Veterans Day parade draws big crowds at Lake Nona debut]
Among the crowd were Jason and Cynthia Schmitz, both U.S. Air Force veterans and members of Mount Dora’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8087.
“Veterans Day is traditionally a day reserved to celebrate our veterans past and living,” said Cynthia Schmitz, the post’s senior vice commander. “It’s definitely a celebration as we remember and enjoy what it means to be an American.”
Across town in Tavares, the city’s Veterans Day ceremony featured wreath placements and a three-volley salute at the Tavares Cemetery and Arboretum.
[WATCH: Vietnam War veteran joins Trooper Steve on Patrol]
Bob Grenier, a local historian and veteran reenactor, attended dressed in a Union uniform from the Civil War to remind attendees of the long legacy of military service.
“This outfit… it’s a Yankee uniform from the American Civil War,” Grenier said. “We’re talking about veterans not only from the present, but those from wars long past.”
Grenier said his uniform is more than a costume — it’s a tribute to those who fought for freedom.
“Appreciation and gratitude… that’s what this day is,” he said. “We live in the greatest country in the world — and it’s because of the bravery of the men and women in uniform.”
Both cities said they plan to continue expanding their Veterans Day events to ensure future generations understand that freedom isn’t free.