Despite the patriotic music, helicopters and skydivers that filled Alachua County's Veterans Day Ceremony, eyes remained on the veterans.
About 2,000 people gathered Tuesday at the Kanapaha Veterans Memorial Park on Tower Road to express gratitude to men and women who had served in the military.
This year's ceremony paid special recognition to veterans who now serve in law enforcement and fire rescue.
Jim Lynch, director of Alachua County's Veteran Services and an Army veteran, has been organizing the annual event for 15 years.
Lynch hosted a two-hour service that kicked off with a landing by four skydivers. It continued with a flag-folding ceremony, a poetry reading, a speech by Alachua County Sheriff Sadie Darnell and a gun presentation from UF's Air Force ROTC. It closed with a wreath-laying ceremony by the Young Marines, followed by a performance of "Taps."
Bob Gasche, retired teacher and veteran of World War II and the Korean War, said he was most moved watching the Young Marines place wreaths on the memorials.
"Today is a wonderful day of patriotism, appreciation and recognition of the service these veterans did to keep our country free," said Gasche, who co-authored a booklet with Lynch documenting veterans' memorials in Alachua County.
Ray Davis, veteran of the Air Force and Army, donned an authentic 1776 uniform for the day - the same kind George Washington wore, he said.
As children approached him for pictures and autographs, Davis, a member of Sons of the American Revolution, told stories about the Revolutionary War.
Luke Netherland, 13, who played trumpet in the Fort Clarke Middle School band for the first 30 minutes of the event, said his favorite part of the day was playing "March of the Armed Forces." He said he also enjoyed seeing the two helicopters parked on the field and watching the skydivers.
"The most important part of the day is showing appreciation to the veterans," said Luke, who wants to join the Army or Air Force one day.
Lynch said he hopes the event's attendees remember what guest speaker Darnell said in her speech - that "freedom is not free."
Gasche said he hoped the audience left with a greater respect for the sacrifices made by veterans and for those who served on the home front.
He added that there is a need for support for today's servicemen and women. He said he doesn't think patriotism is so prevalent as in World War II, though soldiers are risking just as much.
"A bullet's a bullet," he said.
