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Veterans tributes to fill weekend
By JULIANNE WU, Times Staff Writer LARGO -- David C. Miller has devoted his life to spreading this message: Never forget. Miller of Largo has served as president of the Pinellas County Veterans Liaison Council for the past eight years. He has terminal prostate cancer he attributes to Agent Orange he was exposed to in Vietnam. In his remaining days, Miller wants to teach young people how precious life in the United States is. He also wants them to remember those who made the supreme sacrifice for the country's defense. "My main mission," he said, "is to make sure young people learn what freedom is and what the cost of freedom is." To that end, Miller, 54, has prepared a speech he called "Tribute to America." He will deliver it three times this weekend: first at the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., on Friday; then at the Bay Pines National Cemetery, 10000 Bay Pines Blvd. in Seminole at 9 a.m. Monday; and finally at the James S. Miles and Richard A. Leandri Military Court of Honor in Largo Central Park at 7 p.m. Monday. "It's a special tribute to honor all our veterans that have passed on . . . and also to open the eyes of America," he said. Miller, who will also serve as master of ceremonies at Largo Central Park, is only part of the weekend activities. Here's a look at what's scheduled: The Summit Swing Ensemble will present a musical tribute called "Celebrate America" at 8 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Largo Cultural Center, 105 Central Park Drive, south of East Bay Drive between Highland Avenue and Seminole Boulevard. The patriotic program will include a special presentation of the colors by the Civil Air Patrol and an appearance by the Clearwater Composite Squadron FL-043, Florida Wing, Group 8. Tickets cost $14. Call (727) 587-6793. U.S. Rep. C.W. Bill Young of Largo, chairman of the House appropriations committee, will be the keynote speaker at the Memorial Day ceremony at 9 a.m. Monday at Bay Pines National Cemetery, 10000 Bay Pines Blvd. It is open to the public. For information, call Voluntary Service, 398-9394. The Fleet Reserve Association Branch 109 will hold its 14th annual Memorial Day program featuring a tolling of the bell and the placement of a commemorative wreath at the Circle of Valor at 10 a.m. Monday at Curlew Hills Memorial Gardens, 1750 Curlew Road, Palm Harbor. The guest speaker will be Capt. Rob Riggle, USMC, Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base. A trumpeter will play taps. The men and women of Sgt. John M. Schneider Memorial VFW Post 10757 will conduct a Memorial Day service at 11 a.m. Monday at the War Memorial at Craig Park, Tarpon Springs (along Spring Bayou). All veterans, Tarpon Springs city officials, city employees and the public are invited to attend. Bring a lawn chair. Col. Jacqueline Smith, a nurse with the Army Reserve, will be the guest speaker at the Memorial Day Service at 7 p.m. Monday in the James S. Miles and Richard A. Leandri Military Court of Honor in Largo Central Park. The ceremony will include a color guard presentation.
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From the Times North Pinellas desks Letters |
