Honoring the protectors of freedom

Msg. Jeffrey Kochen, a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, salutes as the National Anthem is performed during the Veterans Day ceremony at the Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park in Ocala, Fla. on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

Dozens of people turned out under gray skies Wednesday to honor the millions of Americans who served, and still serve, in the Armed Forces and have sacrificed for our freedoms. The event, at the Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park on Southeast Fort King Street and Southeast 25 Avenue, featured a Color Guard presentation by West Port High School’s JROTC, music from the Belleview High School jazz band, student essays, a family wreath presentation and 21-gun salute by the Ocala Police Department, and more.