As retired Army Chaplain Maj. Dan Middlebrooks gave the invocation Monday morning, rain clouds parted and the sun shined on the bricks at Veterans Memorial Park.
Twenty-four new bricks, each bearing the name of a military veteran, were installed near the “Freedom Rising” monument and unveiled in a small ceremony. Retired Air Force Col. Rich Glorioso spoke of Plant City’s great respect for its veterans before the reveal.
The 24 new bricks were dedicated for the following veterans: Vernon Cannon, Dann Druen, James E. De Montmollin, Louis De Montmollin, Evelio Gonzalez, Allen Heydrick, Rick Hensley, John P. Jerkins, Bobby Johnson, George W. Joyner, Glenn Kinchen, Robert Knight, Roland Lancaster Sr., Roland Lancaster Jr., C.J. Marcello Jr., Ernest L. Newsom, Clayton Patton, Jack W. Patton, Lee Perez, Earl C. Scott, Randal E. Scott, Daniel Walker, Pete Weicht Jr. and James Wolverton.
Each brick, which costs $150, is engraved with the name of a veteran, whether living or deceased, and can be purchased at www.veteransmonument.com.