CLEARWATER, Fla. — Today the community gathered not just in celebration, but in solemn remembrance ahead of Memorial Day.
Honor Fest in Clearwater is a tribute to our brave servicemembers who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Flags wave, the streets a sea of American pride. It’s a sight Craig Gross, a gold star father, said he is proud to see. His son died in combat in July 2011, and he said Monday is a day to reflect and to remember.
“I am the proud father of this man Frank Robert Gross who gave the full measure for our country,” he said.
Honor and service also mean everything to David Bellavia who was the Congressional Medal of Honor recipient.
“America's worth it and so many gave the ultimate sacrifice so we can enjoy all of this," he said.
Adorning his neck is the most prestigious honor of them all: the medal.
Bellavia says he wears the medal because of what it represents to those who put on the uniform.
“It’s the most humbling, it’s a little weird, but I don’t wear this for me, but I wear this for a whole generation and what this represents,” he said.
Hundreds of people came to Coachmen Park not just to observe but to honor those who gave their all.
“I want people to love America again and see it as worthy of sacrifice,” Bellavia said.