An emotional remembrance

A Memorial Day service at Bay Pines National Cemetery honors veterans who fought to preserve what the United States stands for.

By SHARON TUBBS

© St. Petersburg Times, published May 30, 2000

SEMINOLE -- Under the canopy of oak trees, about 1,500 gathered Monday to honor the lives of family and friends whose military service protected the nation's freedom.

Lucila Feroben had picked fresh gardenias and jasmine from her home garden in Brooksville to create a bouquet for her husband's grave at Bay Pines. Charles Feroben retired from the Air Force in 1984, Mrs. Feroben said.

"The war didn't get him," she said. He died of cancer in 1986.

As in years past, Rep. C.W. Bill Young, R-Largo, spoke to the crowd during an hourlong ceremony before many scattered to remember their loved ones in private.

Much of Young's speech outlined an aggressive project for the VA Medical Center, on the same campus as the cemetery.

The Fisher House Foundation, a non-profit organization, will build an eight-bedroom facility on-site for family members and friends visiting loved ones at the hospital, Young announced.

The facility is expected to cost from $800,000 to $1.5-million and will be paid for by the foundation.

The medical center will be responsible for utilities, the cutting of some pine trees and other necessary steps to prepare a plot of land on the hospital campus for the facility, said Laurence Christman, spokesman for the medical center.

Christman said he did not know the size of the facility.

Already there are 26 Fisher Houses throughout the United States and several others under construction.

They are intended to help family members and friends of patients avoid the costs of hotels. Rather than having to find a costly room at the beach, they will be able to stay at the Fisher House for about $10 a night, Young said.

Arnold Fisher, chairman of the Fisher House Foundation, who also spoke at the memorial service, credited Young with garnering federal support for the project and funding to maintain such facilities.

People such as Dorothy Pesto and her daughter, Debra Harrington, were listening. It was the first time either had attended the annual memorial service at the Bay Pines National Cemetery. Pesto's husband, John, fought in World War II and died two years ago.

"I think it was just beautiful," said Pesto, who dabbed at her eyes as the Federation of Musicians sounded a medley of songs, including taps.

Next time, said Pesto of St. Petersburg, she will bring more tissues.

"It brought out a lot of emotion," Harrington said.

Not far from Pesto sat Armand and Ina Flowers, both dressed in red and white from head to toe. Mrs. Flowers is a nurse at the medical center.

Her husband retired from the Air Force in 1983.

"We come to pay respect for the veterans who have given their lives," said Armand Flowers, who saw friends killed during the Vietnam War.

The 1900s was a "bloody century," Young said. But without those who fought to preserve what the United States stands for, life would be much different here, he said.

"In our hearts," Young said, "everyday should be Memorial Day."

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