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World War II veteran Herbert Friedlander received a special honor during the 2016 Memorial Day Ceremony at Corozal American Cemetery in Panama. The French Ambassador awarded him the Legion D’Honneur for his service during the war. Friedlander flew 35 missions to include five targets in France. He fought in Normandy, the Rhineland and in the air defense of France. Photo credit: Miguel Moreno, U.S. Embassy.
More than 400 people gathered at Corozal American Cemetery to attend the 2016 Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 30, 2016. Family members, veterans, active duty U.S. military, American and Panamanian officials, along with six ambassadors, all gathered to honor our fallen.
A very special part of the ceremony included World War II veteran Herbert Friedlander receiving the Legion D’Honneur for his service during the war from the French ambassador. Friedlander flew 35 missions to include five targets in France. He fought in Normandy, the Rhineland and in the air defense of France.
Other highlights included a 40 piece firemen’s band that played the national anthems and several military hymns.
| Welcoming Remarks and Host | Melanie Resto, Superintendent |
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National Anthem of the Republic of Panama National Anthem of the United States of America |
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| Invocation | Pastor Ryan Skinner, Crossroads Bible Church |
| Presidential Proclamation |
Captain Carlos Guzman Senior Defense Official, US Embassy |
| Guest of Honor and Speaker | The Honorable John D. Feeley U.S. Ambassador to Panama |
| Laying of Memorial Wreaths |
Abou Saad Shriners - Lictor Reyna American Society - Hari Singh Auxiliary of the VFW – Anita Littesy Democrats Abroad- Sean D. Hammerle Elks Lodge #1414 - Gerald Watkins Harley Davidson Club – Angel Peña Navy League – Hunter N. Schultz Scottish Rite Bodies - David Bishop VFW – Richard Allar VFW Commander, Post 3822 and Orlando Thompson VFW Commander, Post 3835 ABMC – Melanie Resto U.S. Embassy - U.S. Ambassador, John D. Feeley |
| Taps | Aiden Leamy |
| Benediction | Pastor Ryan Skinner, Crossroads Bible Church |