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Solemn tributes to fallen heroes

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 26, 2009

TAMPA - Ceremonies across the state Monday honored those who died while serving in the military.

Local singers performing patriotic tunes and bagpipes playing at Cotanchobee Park downtown helped mark the Memorial Day holiday.

A procession, including the MacDill Air Force Honor Guard and a bald eagle, went from the park to Heroes Plaza to place flowers honoring local veterans who died serving their country.

Several hundred people gathered at Bay Pines VA Medical Center in Pinellas County. More than 26,000 veterans are buried at the Bay Pines cemetery.

"We come every year ... especially now," said Heidi Card, who came with her husband and four children. "My father-in-law was a veteran, and he was buried here last February."

Hundreds attended ceremonies at The Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. The event included a gun salute by the Florida National Guard, a flyover by Ye Mystic AirKrewe and an address by Thomas G. Bowman, senior adviser with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Michele Sager

and Yolanda Fernandez

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