Over Three Hundred Gather For
Pembroke Pines
Memorial Day Observance
Pines Media:  https://youtu.be/KRsTiOmFLBU

Pembroke Pines, FL …May 31, 2017… Memorial Day, celebrated on the last Monday in May to honor Americans who have died during their military service, was first observed on May 30, 1868, when deceased Union and Confederate soldiers were remembered at Arlington National Ceremony on what was then called Decoration Day. 
 
One Hundred Forty Nine years later people continue to honor the fallen. This year over three hundred people, veterans, residents, community leaders, and special guests gathered for the City of Pembroke Pines Annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the Donnith H. Fletcher Veterans Memorial Park, paying tribute to American soldiers who had lost their lives in the service of their country.
 
The City of Pembroke Pines Police and Fire Honor Guard began the Memorial Day Observance and Ceremony by presenting the Colors and concluded with a wreath placing ceremony. There were musical performances by The 13th Army Band of the Florida National Guard. Pembroke Pines Mayor Frank C. Ortis introduced fellow City Commissioners who remarked on the significance of the day. The Guest Speaker, Pembroke Pines resident Lt. Colonel David Olson, of the United States Southern Command spoke about the importance of duty to country and of the three Pembroke Pines residents who had served and made the ultimate sacrifice, including SPC. Donnith H. Fletcher, United States Army for whom the Memorial Park was named. Donnith’s mother Beulah Fletcher Simons, now 83-year-old was in the audience with family and close friends. Donnith was 21 years old and the first Pembroke Pines resident killed during the Vietnam War on June 30, 1970. He received a posthumous Purple Heart and Bronze Star and in 1971, Pembroke Pines dedicated the ball fields and park at 7900 Johnson Street to his memory. Donnith who would have been 68 years old was remembered with love and affection.
 
For additional information, contact Francie Novo at 954-392-2116 or FNovo@ppines.com .

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Media Only:
Valerie L. Moran, Publicist Pembroke Pines Media
C: 954.392.9494 / E: VLMoran@ppines.com