Community honors fallen heroes despite weather concerns

TAMPA (FOX 13) - The Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony in Hillsborough County carried on as planned Sunday morning, even after some feared a cancellation due to the weather. 

Dozens braved the rain to attend the ceremony at the Resource Center at Veterans Memorial Park in Tampa. Speakers included Senator Bill Nelson and Colonel Matthew Reudi. 

“This is a day of remembering those who have fallen, and what was the most emotional part of the ceremony was the Gold Star Mothers who have lost children,” said Senator Nelson. 

The president of American Gold Star Mother’s Incorporated, Annette Kirk, spoke to the crowd about her fallen hero, her son, Paul O. Cuzzupe, who was killed while serving in Afghanistan.

 “Paul was 23 when he was killed in Afghanistan but prior to that he was musically talented. He was in many bands in the Tampa Bay area,” she commented.

The Gold Star Mothers were welcomed with a standing ovation from the crowd, as their fallen heroes were honored with a rifle salute. Some of them cried, and all stood hand-in-hand. 

On Monday a minute of silence will be observed to honor the bravery of our fallen service members. 
The Gold Star families are encouraging all to participated, and sacrifice one minute of their day for those who make the ultimate sacrifice.

 “It’s one minute out of 24 hours in one day out of the year. I don't think it's a lot to ask for,” Kirk explained.

The minute of silence will happen at 3pm on Monday, May 28th.