From children to World War II veterans, active-
duty military personnel to representatives
of the U.S. Government, about 2,800 people
gathered on Saturday, June 28, to see Patriot
Plaza unveiled at Sarasota National Cemetery.
The new amphitheater was officially opened
to the public in an event that paid "tribute
to the service and sacrifice of veterans and
their families," a Patterson Foundation news
release pointed out.
The $12 million venue was designed, con-
structed and fully funded by The Patterson
Foundation, the release says.
The hour-long ceremony featured patriotic
performances by the Venice Concert Band
and the Jacobites Pipe and Drum Band, along
with a memorial motorcycle ride-by and
poetry recitals.
"This event was four years in the making,"
said Debra Jacobs, president and CEO of
The Venice Concert Band members are assembled for their performance. All photos by Norman
Schimmel
FOR ALL VETERANS
MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY COME TOGETHER FOR THE DEDICATION
OF PATRIOT PLAZA AT SARASOTA NATIONAL CEMETERY
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