WWII and Korean War vets to be honored
An annual event celebrating veterans has been rebranded this year to include not just World War II, but also Korean War veterans.
Formerly the “Spirit of ’45,” the commemoration continues this year now dubbed as “Saluting our Heroes ’45 & ’53” and organizers are seeking veterans to participate. As the number of World War II veterans has steadily declined, organizers decided to include veterans of “America’s Forgotten War” fought between 1950-53.
Event co-chairs are Bill Zacovic, an Army veteran who was involved with previous recognition events; Steve Epkins, a retired Army colonel who, along with Zacovic, is heavily involved in JROTC in the area and recently spearheaded the re-establishment of the Lee County Veterans Advisory Committee; and military supporter Kim Gaide.
Organizers are hopeful that any Lee County WWII and Korean War veterans who have not attended the event in past years, as well as previous participants, will take part in what they hope is a meaningful celebration of their service.
“The Korean War veterans always felt they were the forgotten war,” Epkins said. “We all saw the World War II videos and how happy everybody was, and all the parades and how they were welcomed back. And I can tell you the Korean War veterans got no welcome home. And even me as a Vietnam veteran, when I retired, at the San Francisco airport they spat upon me and called me ‘baby killer’ so that was my welcome home after a year in Vietnam.”
The Saluting Our Heroes event will be held on Aug. 11 from 4:15 to 7:15 p.m. at the Heritage Palms Golf and Country Club in Fort Myers. The event is free for WWII and Korean War veterans and their guest. Tickets are $50 per person for all other attendees, as the event is open to any and all.
Dinner will be served from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m., followed by the veteran tribute and ceremony from 5:15 to 7:15 p.m. Valet parking will be available. Veterans who attend will be adored with red, white and blue ribbons, and a commemorative coin is being created.
“We should never miss an opportunity to thank our veterans,” Zacovic said. “Especially those who fought. World War II and Korean War conflicts were worthy of remembering. The people who participated in them deserve all of our respect and remembrance. It can be as simple as that. We should never miss an opportunity to thank them and to honor them for what they did.”
The ceremony will include a presentation of National Colors, Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem; POW/MIA service (missing man table), wreath ceremony; WWII and Korean War videos and speeches, flag folding ceremony; Pipes and Drums to include “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes; honor guard/firing party for three volleys; echo taps and patriotic songs.
“The event helps the community keep the memory of what these men and women did alive,” Zacovic said. “We should never forget what they had to do, and this event honors them and contributes to that. The veterans who are there, feel special and appreciate the community saying thank you to them one more time.”
“Thank God we had a great military that answered the call of duty, and the sacrifices that they made and the sacrifices their families made while they were off to service,” Epkins added.
Zacovic said for any military supporters who are not veterans in the community, the event is cannot-miss. Veterans will share tables with members of the public.
“It’s an intimate setting, where the folks who are with them at that table, can be a part of living history,” he said. “They can listen to stories. They can ask them questions. I don’t know who would want to miss that opportunity. World War II veterans that are passing at an alarming rate, this could be their last opportunity to share their stories, and for people to hear their stories live.”
Sponsorships are what make the event possible, and organizers are seeking assistance to ensure the event can take place. The “Sponsor-A-Vet” program will cover the cost of a veteran’s meal. The sponsor’s name, or the name of a veteran, will be listed in the program.
Reservations must be made by Aug. 1 and tickets must be paid for by Aug. 6.
To make a reservation or for more information, contact Gaide at kimgaide@aol.com or 239-209-6160. Once reservations have been made, a check or money order should be made payable to VFW District 13.
The Heritage Palms Golf and Country Club is at 10420 Washington Palm Way, Fort Myers.
To reach CJ HADDAD / cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com, please email