VERO BEACH — The Indian River Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) will host a poignant Memorial Day Observance on Monday, May 26, 2025, at 9 a.m., at Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary in Riverside Park in Vero Beach.
This free event promises to be a heartfelt tribute to the nation’s fallen heroes, marking the first Memorial Day ceremony to utilize the newly dedicated World War II Tribute at the site.
The observance will feature full military honors, including the Parade of the Colors, and is expected to draw residents eager to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who gave their lives for freedom.
“Memorial Day serves as our collective tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who gave everything for our nation’s freedom,” the MOAA stated in a press release. “May we never forget their courage and commitment.”
This year’s ceremony will be headlined by keynote speaker Congressman Mike Haridopolos, newly elected to represent Florida’s 8th Congressional District. Haridopolos, a former Florida Senate President and history instructor, brings a deep appreciation for the sacrifices of service members. A resident of Indian Harbour Beach, he was elected in 2024 to succeed retiring Congressman Bill Posey.
A highlight of the event will be Haridopolos presenting a long-overdue Army Commendation Medal for Valor to the family of Army Sergeant Stephan Wiggins, a 1965 Vero Beach High School graduate. On March 30, 1968, during a fierce engagement with the North Vietnamese Army, Wiggins’ heroic actions saved numerous lives in his unit, though he and 10 others perished in the battle. The posthumous award underscores the ceremony’s theme of honoring sacrifice.
The event has ample parking available, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for comfort. The MOAA invites all to join in this solemn occasion to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation.
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