OCOEE, Fla. – In Ocoee, veterans, Gold Star families, and municipal representatives came together to honor servicemembers who paid the ultimate price, during a Memorial Day ceremony on Thursday filled with heartfelt tributes and military accolades.

Colonel Shay Talley-Bradley, a seasoned former U.S. Army company commander with experience in Iraq, conveyed compelling insights regarding the essence of service and sacrifice.

“Memorial Day goes beyond just remembering those we’ve lost; it’s fundamentally about recognizing their dedication,” Talley-Bradley expressed. “This is the kind of selfless duty I frequently observed during times of intense pressure, diminished patience, and genuine fear.”

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For Gold Star parents Maureen and Phillip Miller, whose Green Beret son Rob lost his life during his second deployment to Afghanistan, the day holds deep personal significance.

“Every day is like Memorial Day, a little bit,” Phillip Miller said. “The special occurrence of this day is the fact that everybody else is joining us in remembering the fallen who served our country, and we’re always very grateful for that.”

Maj. William Maxwell, wearing his uniform to honor fellow soldiers, spoke about the weight of responsibility carried by those who serve. Drawing from his combat experience, Maxwell emphasized the importance of passing on military values and remembrance to future generations.

“We’re a nation that grows from generation to generation, and somehow I feel that it is our responsibility to pass on the significance of the servicemen who have gone and lived before them,” Maxwell said.

The ceremony included traditional military honors, including the playing of Taps and the reading of names of fallen servicemembers. For many veterans in attendance, the event served as a poignant reminder of their own service and the profound gratitude they feel for having returned home.

The gathering demonstrated the enduring impact of military service and sacrifice on communities across America, bringing together multiple generations to honor those who gave their lives in service to their country.