OCALA, FL (352today.com) — With American flags fluttering and heartfelt tributes echoing across the grounds, the Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park filled near capacity on Monday for a Memorial Day ceremony that lived up to its theme: A Legacy of Sacrifice.

The somber observance drew veterans, families, and community members together to remember those who never made it home — and to stand with the Gold Star families who live with that sacrifice every day.

Silhouette of a kneeling soldier with a rifle is placed next to a white cross and American flag in front of a seated crowd at a Memorial Day ceremony.
Rows of white crosses with names of Vietnam veterans and American flags are displayed on grass as a tribute during a Memorial Day event.
Symbols of remembrance filled Veterans Memorial Park as the community honored fallen service members. A silhouette of a kneeling soldier stood in solemn tribute, while rows of white crosses and American flags paid respect to Vietnam veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice. Courtesy: Marion County, FL

Opening reflections and personal tributes

Marion County Commission Chair Kathy Bryant delivered opening remarks and later shared emotional stories of two local heroes:

  • USMC Pvt. First Class Keith Borotkin, killed in action on July 22, 1944, during World War II
  • USMC Pvt. First Class Francisco “Panchie” Diaz, killed on May 15, 1968, in Vietnam

“They fought and willingly laid down their lives for our freedom,” said Bryant. “Today, we stand together not only to remember, but to reaffirm our promise that their legacy of sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

A display honoring USMC Pvt. First Class Keith Botkin features a portrait, a memorial cross, an American flag, and the words “A Legacy of Sacrifice” during a Memorial Day ceremony.
A tribute display honors USMC Pvt. First Class Francisco Diaz, who was killed in action during the Vietnam War, during the Memorial Day ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park in Ocala. [Photo courtesy of Marion County]
Memorial Day tributes at Veterans Memorial Park honored the ultimate sacrifices of USMC Pvt. First Class Francisco Diaz, killed in Vietnam in 1968, and USMC Pvt. First Class Keith Botkin, killed in World War II in 1944. Their stories were shared as part of the ceremony’s “Legacy of Sacrifice” theme, reminding attendees of the generations who gave their lives for our freedom. Courtesy: Marion County, FL

Bryant also addressed the pain and resilience of Gold Star families, calling their strength “nothing short of heroic.”

Wreath ceremony and symbolic honors

The ceremony included a moving wreath-laying tradition. Veterans and descendants placed remembrance flowers in a shared wreath to honor military service members lost in battle. The Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band provided musical tributes, and the Ocala Police Department performed a rifle salute.

Keynote speaker reflects on generations of sacrifice

Brian Ploetz, 2nd Vice Commander of the American Legion’s 4th District in Florida, served as keynote speaker. His oration, also titled A Legacy of Sacrifice, highlighted the cost of freedom through each chapter of American military history — from the Revolutionary War to the Global War on Terror.

Flyover honors local veterans

A four-plane flyover added a stirring visual to the day’s tributes, with each pilot a veteran:

  • Michael Peters, Gulf War vet and major airline pilot
  • Brandon Swanborn, U.S. Afghanistan vet
  • Anthony Sweeney, retired U.S. Air Force F-15 pilot, Middle East service
  • Matt Wallace, U.S. Army 82nd Airborne combat veteran

The team competes in flying competitions and regularly performs at veterans events across the country.

Four military aircraft fly in formation against a blue sky with white smoke trails during a Memorial Day flyover.
A four-plane formation performs a ceremonial flyover during the Memorial Day service at Veterans Memorial Park in Ocala. Photo courtesy of Marion County, FL

As the final notes of the ceremony faded, the message of the day rang clear: Marion County will never forget the men and women who gave everything for their country — and will always stand beside the families who continue to carry that sacrifice.

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