On Saturday, November 10th, around 500 residents came to Estero Community Park to pay tribute to our veterans, active military, first responders, and Gold Star families.
The day’s program attracted significantly more visitors than in 2023, partly due to the excellent program of events, including mini-musicals featuring songs associated with World War II, the Korean, Vietnam, and Gulf Wars, presented by Spotlight Entertainment of Southwest Florida.
District 5 Councilmember Rafael Lopez served as master of ceremonies. Mayor Jon McLain welcomed the crowd, and U.S. Congressman Byron Daniels gave an inspiring talk before introducing the keynote speaker, Lt. Gen. Gary Speer.
A significant array of around 150 muscle cars was on display, a considerable increase over the last year. Many were award winners from the various vehicle shows that are a regular weekend feature in our area.
Free hotdogs were available, along with patriotic songs by the New Horizons Choir, face painting, and a visit with Too Tall Tori. Several veterans gave talks, and the New Horizons of Southwest Florida Children’s Choir enthusiastically performed. The event had something for everyone.
Various 501c3 organizations erected stands to the right and left of the main stage to support the event. Many veterans and members of the public visited these organizations and expressed interest in their mission and work.
Volunteers from various organizations came together to honor those who are currently serving and have served our country. The participants included the Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce, local church groups, the Estero Forever Foundation, the Estero Historical Society, Estero Fire & Rescue, the Estero High School JROTC, Estero Life Magazine, the Estero Rotary, Engage Estero, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Lee County Parks & Recreation, and the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America. Additionally, Spotlight Entertainment of Southwest Florida, the Tidewater Veterans Group, and the Village contributed to this community effort.
It was a highly successful event, and it is becoming more successful with each passing year.
The Village of Estero is committed to supporting our veterans, both past and present. Engage Estero would like to pose two questions to residents; the answers will be shared with the Village Council and Management for their consideration:
Engage Estero is an all-volunteer, nonpolitical, nonprofit Community Engagement Association. We exist to inform citizens of significant community issues and encourage citizen engagement to impact the quality of life in greater Estero favorably.
