UWF observes Memorial Day with commemorative ceremony
The University of West Florida observed Memorial Day on May 25 with an annual Flag Pole event. Capt. Lee A. Steele, a 1983 graduate of the US Naval Academy, served as the guest speaker at the event. Steele is the development, planning and analysis division director at Naval Education and Training Command (NETC), Pensacola, Fla., where he brings supply chain management principles to a training system that processes 35,000 recruits per year. He is a Naval Aviator with 3,500 hours and 700+ arrested landings flying off aircraft carriers around the world, ending his sea time as AirBoss CVN-74, USS STENNIS.
Anna Dawson, a UWF Music Performance major sang the National Anthem and James Hammond from the University’s Biology Department conducted the invocation and benediction. During the ceremony a wreath was laid at the base of the flagpole and Taps was played to honor of our fallen veterans.
“UWF does the Memorial Day event each year because of our commitment to veterans, active duty service members, and their families and friends. We understand the sacrifices veterans have made in service to America; we understand that freedom isn’t free,” said Lusharon Wiley, associate dean of students. “Our Memorial Day remembrance brings the University and Pensacola community together to reflect on and give honor to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
