ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando VA Medical Center in Lake Nona hosted a remembrance ceremony Friday morning honoring men and women who died in military service, while also connecting veterans with local support services.
Dozens of attendees toured outreach resources available to Central Florida veterans, including meal assistance, help accessing medical care and mental health services.
More than 100 people gathered at an amphitheater for a wreath-laying ceremony, music from the VFW Post 2093 Central Florida Community Band and a brass trio, and remarks from keynote speaker Rear Adm. Denise Hinton.
Hinton emphasized the importance of honoring those who never returned home and ensuring veterans who survive war are not forgotten. Central Florida is home to an estimated 240,000 veterans.
The event also highlighted the Central Florida Veterans Memorial Park, which includes walls etched with the names of about 1,200 fallen service members from Orange, Lake, Osceola, Seminole, Brevard and Volusia counties. The names span conflicts dating back to World War I.
Organizers said the ceremony and memorial efforts are supported by the Central Florida Memorial Park Foundation, which is accepting donations.