Community members, military speakers and Gold Star families gathered outside Gainesville Health & Fitness Tuesday evening.
The event was held at the gym’s main center to celebrate the United States’ upcoming 250th anniversary with patriotic displays, military tributes and the unveiling of a large eagle sculpture.
The gym’s owner Joe Cirulli, who grew up in a military family said he was inspired to create a celebration focused on patriotism and helping attendees understand the military’s role in the country’s history.
“I want people to understand why the military started.” Cirulli said. “Obviously we wouldn’t have America if they didn’t.”
The event’s program moved through each branch of the military in historical order, beginning with the Army and continuing with the Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard and Space Force. Speakers discussed the origins and purpose of each branch while patriotic music accompanied, as red curtains revealed the newly decorated windows behind them.
One of the evening’s most emotional moments centered on Gold Star families, relatives of military members who died while serving.
Lee Vincent, who lost his son Pfc. Wayne Vincent in Afghanistan in July 2009, spoke on behalf of Gold Star families at Cirulli’s request.
“No one aspires to be in this group,” Vincent said, recognizing families and reflecting on their loss and resilience.
Former military members also shared personal reflections.
Rusty Whitt, a former Green Beret and current director of football performance for UF, encouraged families to continue sharing stories and honoring the memories of loved ones lost in service.
“The worst thing about loss and grief is loneliness,” Whitt said. “You are not alone tonight.”
Jennifer Heitzler, a 23-year-old Santa Fe College accounting major, said she decided to attend after hearing about the event from her mother and was especially interested because of her father’s military service.
“My dad actually was in the Air Force, and he was deployed in Iraq,” Heitzler said. “It would be nice to hear other people’s experiences.”
She said the gathering felt meaningful because it brought together people from across the community.
“It feels a bit more special in a sense of, like, ‘This is my country,’” Heitzler said. “Politics aside, everyone being here, and this community … it’s a really nice thing.”
For some attendees, the event also became a behind-the-scenes effort.
Raelyn Henson, a 19-year-old UF marketing major who works on social media for Gainesville Health & Fitness, attended to film the event and capture content.
She said she especially enjoyed hearing speakers reflect on their military experiences and seeing the sculpture’s final presentation.
“I loved hearing the speakers,” she said, “and Glen worked on the eagle for months.”
The evening continued with the unveiling of a large illuminated eagle sculpture displayed outside the facility.
Artist Glen Purdy said the sculpture, built from PVC and weighing about 1,200 pounds, began as a simple idea. But he knew the project meant more.
“We did it for them,” he said, referring to those lost. “So long as the eagle’s out there, they’ll always be remembered.”
Sam Rislin is a contributing writer for The Alligator.
