Three Events Highlight Memorial Day Activities

Memorial Day services will be held on Monday, May 31,1999, from 10 a.m.to noon at the Veteran's Memorial at the foot of Centre Street. (Please bring a folding chair if you find it
difficult to stand.)

Navy Honor Guard
Photo by Bill Burk

The schedule includes patriotic music from the Amelia Island Chorale, presentation of colors by the Marine Corps Color Guard, a 21-gun rifle salute by the Navy Honor Guard and more. The program is sponsored by the American Legion and the Fernandina Beach Parks and Recreation Department.

Also, the "Moving Wall" Vietnam Veterans Memorial is coming to Amelia Island the week of May 9-15. It will be on display 24 hours a day at Central Park on Atlantic Avenue. Volunteers will be available to answer questions and assist visitors in finding names. The idea for the Moving Wall was conceived by John Devitt, a Vietnam Veteran.

Knowing that many people would never be able to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., Devitt's idea brings the Moving Wall to the people.

The Wall's visit is sponsored by the Vietnam Veterans of Nassau County, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and the City of Fernandina Beach Parks and Recreation Department.

The community gathered under a warm summer evening, enjoying stirring patriotic music, singers of all ages, military and veteran's recognition, lessons from history, inspirational music, a neighborhood
orchestra, and over it all, the flash of fireworks - that's "From Sea to Shining Sea."

This musical with meaning will be staged at the Fernandina Beach High School stadium on Saturday, May 29. The overture begins at 8:15 p.m. Come early and bring a picnic. About 150 singers will form adult, youth and children's choruses. Joining them will be 30 or more instrumentalists. Honor guards from the Navy, Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard will participate and
honored guests will also be present.

"From Sea to Shining Sea" is a free gift to the community presented by area churches, businesses and individuals in recognition of God-given freedoms. This community-wide endeavor is intended to entertain, inform, inspire and challenge all who attend or participate. Enthusiastic support has been given by city and county officials, as well as military and veteran_s representatives. Singers, instrumentalists and an array of volunteer workers are needed for this "Celebrate 2000" event. Sponsorships are being accepted.

Please call 261-8799 for information on how you can participate or contribute. Mark you calendar, gather family and friends and join in the unique "skylight" event.