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Veterans Memorial dedicated at Horizon Village

By Staff | Dec 14, 2010
ANDREA GALABINSKI Speaker William Cobleigh; pianist and the Navy’s Pat Saylor; signer Frank Sciara; singer and committee member Mary Maroon; co-op president Wayne Ambrose; chairperson Paul Maroon; Robert Patterson, who laid the ceremonial wreath; Edie Winter, U.S.A.N.; and Ruth Maynard, U.S.A.N., at the memorial ceremony at Horizon Village in North Fort Myers.


A ceremony that featured inspirational words, songs and more in tribute to veterans was presented at Horizon Village on Pearl Harbor Day, at the dedication of a new veterans memorial monument.

The tribute was held to honor both those who served in the Armed Forces in the past, and those serving today.

A ceremony that featured inspirational words, songs and more in tribute to veterans was presented at Horizon Village on Pearl Harbor Day, at the dedication of a new veterans memorial monument.
The tribute was held to honor both those who served in the Armed Forces in the past, and those serving today.
Community leaders, including Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott, North Fort Myers Fire Chief Terry Pye and veterans groups like the Amvets Honor Guard Post 81 were involved in the ceremonies, along with many dedicated individuals from the Horizon Village community.
The organizer and chairperson of the event was Paul Maroon. “It was challenging, fun and a privilege,” he said, of the event that he has been working on since May. “Our board members voted to have it then. I asked our co-op president Wayne Ambrose to be part of this as well.”
Maroon is a veteran himself.
“I wanted to honor the veterans of Horizon Village,” he said.
At the dedication, not only were veterans there, but their wives, friends and family attended.
The invocation was presented by the Rev. Paul Dissington, and talented singer Frank Sciara did several songs, including the actual “Old Beautiful” at the formal unveiling of the monument.
“Horizon Village General Manager James Logan was also instrumental in building the monument,” Maroon said.
“We not only had a lot of community residents that turned out, but their friends and family members as well,” said Logan.
Honor Guards Amvet Post 81 posted the colors for they event. The Guard was represented by Captain Walter Ahmad, Carol Ahmad, Jack Waddell, Dennis Densmore, Ellen LaRochelle, Denver Harris, Al Pierolo, Linda Hand, Ed Tucker and Rick Dallaventura.
“This was an absolutely wonderful event,” said North Fort Myers Fire Chief Terry Pye. “It is very fitting, especially for this village that has many veterans.”
Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott agreed. “This was a fantastic event, with a wonderful turnout and very well organized. It is truly appropriate to not only honor veterans we have lost, but those actively serving as well.”
Other special guests and participants included Robert Patterson, who laid the ceremonial wreath, William Cobleigh, who was a key speaker, Edie Winter, U.S.A.N., Pat Saylor, U.S.A.N. and Ruth Maynard, U.S.A.N.
The Guys and Dolls Chorus who performed is under the direction of Gloria Wright, who led them in several songs.
Other honored guests included VFW Post 10127 Cdr. Jeff Rousey and VFW Post 8463 Chaplain Anthony Alfano.
Other community members that contributed to the effort included program facilitator Judy Paul, Director Gloria Wright and Refreshment committee headed by Don and Jean Gilson.