MHT Executive Director Barbara Edgar welcomed the community, many of whom participated in the ceremony such as members of the Islamorada Fire Department and Boy Scout Troop 912, who presented the colors. Pastors Bob Pavey and Tony Hammon said the invocation and benediction and Country Singer Dan Furmanik (above left) added lyrical joy with the National Anthem, America the Beautiful and God Bless the USA. (Hear Furmanik sing the National Anthem here. Courtesy of Attention Media).

Flower wreaths which remain at the monument were donated by Centennial Bank, represented by Stephanie Scuderi, and the Daughters of the American Revolution, represented by Kate Granger, Sandi Humphrey and Pat Key.

Speakers included Lieutenant Governor Jeannette Nunez (above center), who has a home in the Keys; Islamorada Mayor Buddy Pinder from one of Islamorada’s founding families, and American Legion Post 145 member Bob Johnson. Johnson is a former Islamorada mayor and councilman.

(Hear Pinder's speech here . Courtesy of Attention Media).

Councilman Henry Rosenthal, who was born about four score years ago, was celebrating his birthday that same day. Rosenthal spoke about a serviceman who had a special story which focused on a deck of cards and its relation to the Bible. Then, music man Furmanik led the crowd in singing Happy Birthday to Henry.

Lastly, the community was invited to the Matecumbe United Methodist Church gathering hall for birthday cake in Henry’s honor and yummy wood-oven pizzas cooked to order.

Thanks to Matecumbe Historical Trust, it was a fun community gathering, with a few wearing masks, and a whole lot of gratitude for the opportunity to gather outdoors and once again enjoy face-to-face congeniality in honor of those who served.