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Neighborhood report

Park's new moniker honors 7 brothers

A ceremony Saturday morning to dedicate the park will feature music, food, a Marine color guard and fireworks.

By SARA KENNEDY
Published July 1, 2005

Just in time for Independence Day, the city will formally rename a West Tampa park in honor of seven Vila brothers who collectively served in the military for nearly 61 years.

The red, white and blue ceremony is set for 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the West Pines Park and Playground, 700 N Armenia Ave. Local officials, relatives and longtime friends of the Vila brothers are expected to attend.

"It's going to be very patriotic," said Hector Vila, 74, one of the brothers who helped organize the event. He fought in Korea and returned to Tampa, where he worked for 28 years as a foreman at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery.

His brothers - Joe, Willie, Wilfredo Jr., Robert, Denio and Tony - served in several conflicts, from World War II to Vietnam to Desert Storm and Desert Shield in the Middle East.

All returned home, much to the relief of their mother, Carmen Vila, who vowed not to eat another crumb of bread if God protected them from harm. The brothers live across the Tampa Bay area, including West Tampa, Carrollwood and Sun City Center.

Tampa City Council member Mary Alvarez, who represents West Tampa, sponsored an ordinance to rename the site Vila Brothers Park. The Tampa City Council approved the change in February.

Saturday's guest list includes Alvarez, Mayor Pam Iorio, Judge E.J. Salcines, Hillsborough State Attorney Mark Ober, Public Defender Julianne Holt, U.S. Rep. Michael Bilirakis, Tampa Parks and Recreation Director Karen Palus and retired U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Daniel Hall, Hector Vila said.

The event will include food, fireworks, music and a presentation from the U.S. Marine Corps color guard. The brothers' granddaughters will sing The Star-Spangled Banner and God Bless America.

Officials will unveil a sign with the park's new name.

"We're very, very honored," Vila said. "I am proud that we were able to serve our country and we all came home alive. Most of these dedications are done for the dead."

[Last modified June 30, 2005, 09:09:07]