It was a solemn ceremony to recognize those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

  • Memorial Day remembrance held at Orange County War Memorial
  • Event organized by the Orange County Mayor's Veterans Advisory Council

"Freed," began J.P. Ledet.

It's the reason why the World War II veteran joined the Army in the 1940s.

"Oh yeah," he said. "I remember everything. ... Invading the Philippine islands and Okinawa and all that. I remember all that."

The moving Memorial Day tribute took place Monday morning at the Orange County War Memorial.

"I'm in awe," said Helen Pratt, a brigadier general in the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve. "The sacrifices that they made back then and the conditions that they fought in were just tremendous, and I think they're phenomenal. I like to hear from them about their experience in the military.

Added Edwin Marrero, a retired colonel in the Army: "Maintaining our freedom and our liberty in our nation, and we have to make time."

A wreath was placed at the base of the War Memorial at the Orange County Courthouse. The gesture was followed by a solo rendition of taps by a member of the Winter Park High School brass quintet.

"That's why I served 42 years in the Army, because we become one fighting force with patriotism," Marrero said. "We choose not to let color, creed, religion come between us."

Pratt said she also served her nation with pride.

"Often times, people just treat it as another holiday and not one of sacrifice," Pratt said. "They have picnics and go shopping, and I think that some have forgotten what the meaning of Memorial Day is. ... We recognize those that have served our nation and then we celebrate what we have with our families."

Ledet, who is 93 years old, said he will never forget the ultimate sacrifice of his fellow soldiers more than 70 years ago.

"I was lucky," he said.

The ceremony was organized by the Orange County Mayor's Veterans Advisory Council.