The gentle lap of the Indian River Lagoon provided a solemn backdrop as hundreds gathered on Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary for the annual Memorial Day Ceremony, hosted by the Military Officers Association of America, Indian River Chapter.
This year, the service served as an even more poignant reminder of the true cost of freedom, as just days prior Army Pvt. First Class Christopher Belcher of Vero Beach was welcomed home with full military honors, having passed away unexpectedly while on duty overseas.
Former Army Lt. John Palazzolo, IRCMOAA Chaplain, delivered an invocation thanking God for the “precious gift of freedom” to worship, speak and live by conscience…