Manasota Elks Lodge’s Jim Klocke, PER, Chair of the Manatee County Veterans Council, led the annual Memorial Day service in Bradenton May 27. The annual service is held at Donald L. Courtney Veterans Park. There were 225 attendees, including JROTC from Lakewood and Parrish High Schools; Gene Brown, Bradenton mayor; Shirley Groover-Bryant, Palmetto mayor; Colonel Gill Ruderman; and 11 Elks from local lodges. Jack Cantwell, PDD of Bradenton Lodge led the singing of the national anthem and “God Bless America.” Klocke and Manasota Lodge volunteers maintain the park throughout the year. They raise and take down 25 flags for holidays and celebrations. They weed and trim; replenish mulch; clean the monuments, memorial benches and pavers; and replace flags as needed.
Pictured are Spike Klocke, Manasota Lodge Grants Coordinator; Jim Klocke, PER; and Jack Cantwell, PDD of Bradenton Lodge.