OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Veterans from many eras and conflicts were surrounded by family and friends on Monday at a ceremony to honor those who paid the ultimate price for their service to our country.

Patriotism was on full display at the annual Memorial Day observance at Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park.

Shenita Boone (left) along with her grandson Kayden Sims (center), and his mom Shakeli Sims (right), lay a wreath during the Memorial Day ceremony in Ocala in honor of Shakeli’s husband Spc. Markie Sims. Sims was killed by an IED in Afghanistan in 2012.

John Earl plays bagpipes during Memorial Day ceremonies at the Veterans Memorial Park in Ocala on Monday, May 27, 2024. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
The Kingdom of the Sun concert band plays during Memorial Day ceremony in Ocala on Monday, May 27, 2024. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today

Several musical performances punctuated the ceremony. The sound of bagpipes cut through the thick, humid air and the sound of the Kingdom of the Sun concert band stirred the emotions of the crowd.

Cub Scout pack 18 says the pledge of Allegiance during the Memorial Day ceremony in Ocala on Monday, May 27, 2024. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
From left, World War II veteran Walter Lane and Korean veteran Alfred Merrill salute the flag during Memorial Day ceremonies at Ocala-Marion County Memorial Veterans Park in Ocala, FL on Monday, May 27, 2024. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today

Cub Scout pack 18 said the Pledge of Allegiance while World War II veteran Walter Lane (left) and Korean War veteran Alfred Merrill (right) salute the flag during the ceremony.

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World War II veteran Howard Mautner received a certificate during the Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 27, 2024. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
World War II veteran Robert Anderson receives a certificate during the Memorial Day ceremony in Ocala. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today

Several veterans received certificates of appreciation for their service including World War II veterans Howard Mautner and Robert Anderson.

The humble squadron does a flyover during the Memorial Day ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Park in Ocala on Monday, May 27, 2024. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Retired Army Chaplain Col. Janet Horton speaks during the Memorial Day ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Park in Ocala, FL on Monday, May 27, 2024. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Veterans listen to the program during the Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 27, 2024, in Ocala. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
The Marion County Memorial Honor Guard fires a volley during the Memorial Day ceremony in Ocala. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
The Vietnam Vets motorcycle club listens to the program at the Memorial Day ceremony in Ocala. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Korean War veteran Ralph Mueller plays harmonica during the Memorial Day ceremony in Ocala on Monday, May 27, 2024. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Veterans from many eras and wars gather for a group photo during the Memorial Day ceremony in Ocala. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today