BY LOUIS C. WARD
CLERMONT – Lieutenant Daniel Keel and Master Sergeant Frank Klum, two veterans, both101 years old, but looked a whole lot younger, were among honorees recognized for their service in the United States Armed Forces at a Veterans Day Tribute Ceremony held on Veterans Day at the Waterfront Park at 330 3rd Street in Clermont, Florida.
“Veterans Day Tribute was a great way to honor our veterans,” said Clermont Mayor Tim Murry, a retired United States Air Force Veteran with more than 22 years of service, who was also a parade marshal. “I was so touched to see Daniel Keel and Frank Klum, two veterans who were 101 years old be recognized.”
Air Force Veteran Martha Taylor said, “I enjoyed the program and was impressed with guest speaker Sgt. Major Collin Cotterell’s statement: “Veterans Day is about veterans and people should do more than just thank them for their service…”
Other honorees included Lt Col Toby Hubbard, EN1(SS) Richard Gerard. Master Sgt. Klum also received the Quilt of Valor.
Veterans Day marked the end of World War 1, and has honored military veterans since 1947. the Clermont Veterans Day Tribute followed tradition with a parade organized by Clermont’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, an official military ceremony, which presented and retired the Colors, a rifle salute and Taps, a guest speaker, a presentation of the Quilt of Valor, and a recitation of national songs of America.
Sponsored by the Royal Highlands African Heritage Club, the memorable ceremony entertained veterans, their spouses, families and friends with music performances by the East Ridge High School, a Jacksonville, Florida Navy Band, and watched a flyover by a Black Hawk helicopter.
