Palm Coast Reflects, Remembers, and Honors During Memorial Day Ceremony

The City of Palm Coast gathered this morning at Heroes Memorial Park for a moving and heartfelt Memorial Day Ceremony honoring the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States.

Hosted by Mayor Mike Norris, the ceremony brought together residents, veterans, Gold Star Families, public safety personnel, local organizations, and community leaders for a beautiful morning of remembrance and reflection.

The ceremony featured the Presentation of Colors by the Matanzas High School JROTC, an invocation by Pastor Charles Silano, a performance of the National Anthem by Melanie DiMartino, and remarks from Mayor Norris reminding attendees of the true meaning of Memorial Day.

“To our Gold Star families – we see you, we honor you, and we thank you for your sacrifice,” Mayor Norris began his remarks. “We’re here to remember. To memorialize our fallen comrades, our family, our neighbors, the ones who paid in full... So today, we say their names. We tell their stories. We carry their memory — not just in speeches, but in how we live. Because if we forget them, then they died twice.” 

One of the most meaningful additions to this year’s ceremony was the White Rose Tribute, led by Mayor Norris alongside Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri and Council Members Ty Miller, David Sullivan, and Charles Gambaro. Following the tribute, Mayor Norris invited community members to approach the podium and speak the names of their fallen heroes aloud.

Eight members of the public participated in this deeply personal portion of the ceremony, including Council Members Gambaro and Miller. Palm Coast City Manager Mike McGlothlin also came forward to honor two fallen heroes from his own family.

The solemn moment served as a powerful reminder that Memorial Day is not simply a holiday, but a declaration of remembrance for those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation.

The ceremony also included the Presentation of Wreaths led by Mayor Norris, Palm Coast Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill, and Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly, with participation from local veterans organizations and Gold Star Families. The Palm Coast Fire Department Honor Guard Pipe & Drums performed “Amazing Grace,” followed by a 21-Gun Salute from the Marine Corps League Detachment #876 and the sounding of Taps by Tom Maize of the Palm Coast Community Band.

The morning concluded with an Honor Walk through the park, allowing attendees a quiet opportunity to reflect and pay tribute to America’s heroes.

The City of Palm Coast extends its gratitude to all who attended and participated in this year’s Memorial Day Ceremony and encourages the community to continue honoring and remembering the fallen not only today, but every day.

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