Memorial Day 2016 at Corozal American Cemetery

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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
National Anthem of the Republic of Panama
National Anthem of the United States of America
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