KISSIMMEE — Veterans, elected leaders, active military members, families, and community residents gathered Monday afternoon at the 65th Infantry Veterans Park in Kissimmee for Representative Paula Stark’s 3rd Annual “Honoring the Brave” Memorial Day Service, a solemn ceremony dedicated to remembering the men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States.

Held beneath American flags waving in the warm Central Florida breeze, the ceremony focused on remembrance, sacrifice, patriotism, and the enduring legacy of the nation’s fallen heroes. The event also included a special recognition of the Borinqueneers, the legendary 65th Infantry Regiment made up primarily of Puerto Rican soldiers who served with distinction during World War I, World War II, and the Korean War.

The ceremony began with the presentation of colors by the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, followed by the National Anthem performed by students from the Osceola County School for the Arts Vocal Department. St. Cloud Mayor Chris Robertson led the Pledge of Allegiance, while Pastor Alert Santiago delivered the invocation prayer.

Community and government leaders from across Osceola County and Central Florida attended the event, including Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa, Florida State Senator Kristen Arrington, Congressman Darren Soto, St. Cloud Deputy Mayor Ken Gilbert, St. Cloud City Councilmember Kolby Urban, and St. Cloud Police Chief Doug Goerke.

The keynote speaker for the ceremony was retired Major General Antonio J. Vicens, whose distinguished military career spanned more than four decades with the Puerto Rico Army National Guard, including serving as the 18th Adjutant General of Puerto Rico.

During his remarks, Vicens reflected on the meaning of Memorial Day and the sacrifices made by generations of American service members.

“We recognize that freedom has never been free,” Vicens said during the ceremony. “It has been paid for by the bravery of men and women who wore our nation’s uniform — individuals who answered the call of duty not knowing whether they would return, but knowing their cause was greater than themselves.”

The event also welcomed Army veteran Victor Colón-Rosa, a member of the Borinqueneers Congressional Gold Medal Committee, who spoke about preserving the legacy of the historic regiment and honoring the service of Puerto Rican soldiers who fought courageously for the United States.

Throughout the ceremony, speakers emphasized unity, service, sacrifice, and the importance of remembering those who gave what organizers called “the last full measure of devotion” in defense of liberty and freedom.

“As we prepare to celebrate 250 years of our nation’s history, let us remember that America’s greatness has never rested solely in its power or prosperity, but in the courage, sacrifice, and character of its people,” one portion of the ceremony stated.

Following the speeches, representatives from local governments and organizations participated in a wreath-laying ceremony honoring fallen service members. Wreaths were presented by the St. Cloud City Council, St. Cloud Police Department, the Office of Senator Kristen Arrington, the Office of Congressman Darren Soto, and the Office of State Representative Paula Stark.

The ceremony concluded with a closing prayer led by Deputy Mayor Ken Gilbert and a final message encouraging attendees to carry forward the values of duty, honor, courage, and service.

“Let us live lives worthy of their sacrifice,” the closing remarks stated. “Let us teach our children the meaning of duty, honor, and service.”

Honrando a los Caídos: Comunidad se Reúne en Kissimmee para el 3er Servicio Anual del Día de los Caídos de la Representante Paula Stark

KISSIMMEE — Veteranos, líderes comunitarios, funcionarios electos y residentes se reunieron el lunes en el 65th Infantry Veterans Park de Kissimmee para la 3ra ceremonia anual del Día de los Caídos “Honoring the Brave,” organizada por la Representante Estatal Paula Stark.

La ceremonia rindió homenaje a los hombres y mujeres que perdieron la vida sirviendo a los Estados Unidos, e incluyó un reconocimiento especial a los Borinqueneers, el histórico 65.º Regimiento de Infantería compuesto principalmente por soldados puertorriqueños.

El evento contó con la participación de varios líderes locales y estatales, incluyendo al alcalde de St. Cloud Chris Robertson, la alcaldesa de Kissimmee Jackie Espinosa, la senadora estatal Kristen Arrington y el congresista Darren Soto.

El orador principal fue el Mayor General retirado Antonio J. Vicens, quien destacó el sacrificio de los militares caídos y recordó que “la libertad nunca ha sido gratis.”

Durante la ceremonia también se realizó una colocación de coronas en honor a los héroes caídos, mientras líderes y asistentes reflexionaron sobre el significado del servicio, el sacrificio y el patriotismo.

La ceremonia concluyó con un llamado a mantener vivos los valores de deber, honor y servicio para las futuras generaciones.