Nation will persevere and prosper, Bradenton veteran says of COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic didn’t stop hundreds from gathering to pay tribute to fallen soldiers at the annual Memorial Day service in Bradenton — gathering online, instead.
“The past few months have been much different, as we battle a different enemy that has threatened our way of life, the coronavirus,” keynote speaker. retired Navy Captain Michael Hartford. said. “As has been the case throughout our history, we as a nation will persevere and prosper during these difficult times.”
Hartford, who has served in senior healthcare executive positions at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Florida Department of Health and the University of Colorado, thanked those in uniform, healthcare workers, grocery store employees, truck drivers and all those “who have brave the elements for a cause greater than themselves”
The service was live-streamed on Facebook as about 1,500 watched, and also aired on Manatee County government access channel.
Traditionally, the annual service is held at the Veterans Memorial Park on the Manatee River front in Bradenton.
Hartford’s remarks highlighted key moments in the nation’s history in the importance and significance of remembering those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. His hope was that those watching would share with younger generations, saying it was everyone’s responsibility to make sure fallen servicemen’s sacrifice isn’t forgotten.
He first went back to President Abraham Lincoln famous words following the Battle of Gettysburg, “Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, on this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.”
“I would be remiss if I didn’t add all men and women are created equal,” Hartford said.. “Our culture and way of life have remained strong not because of, but in spite of the challenges and obstacles we have faced throughout our nation’s history.”
Hartford also shared President Ronald Ronald Reagan’s words in 1994 on the 40th anniversary of D-Day: “You all knew that some things are worth dying for. One’s country is worth dying for, and democracy is worth dying for, because it’s the most deeply honorable form of government ever devised by man.”
Memorial Day honors the more than 1.3 million American soldiers who have died in the 12 war periods in the country’s history, Hartford reminded those watching. Memorial Day became a national holiday in 1971.
With fewer enlisted today, Hartford it was easy to say how that could lessen awareness.
Hartford also shared General George Patten word: “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.”
He honored such men, with a roll of local veteran who were killed in action.
The short ceremony concluded with a few words from the council’s chaplain, Patricia Stiles, “Please let everyone remember that freedom is never free.”
This story was originally published May 25, 2020 at 12:29 PM.
