SEBASTIAN, Fla. — City officials and local veterans groups gathered at the Veterans Memorial in Sebastian on May 26, 2025, for a Memorial Day observance in which Mayor Bob McParle read a city proclamation, the Sons of the American Legion recounted the story of a local World War II veteran, and the community observed traditional honors including a moment of silence, wreath laying and the playing of taps.

The event brought together uniformed color guards, the American Legion Post 189, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10210, local elected officials and civic organizations. Mayor Bob McParle read a proclamation noting the national history of Memorial Day and, in his words, said the city would "express our gratitude to every fallen, wounded, and missing hero who gave us freedom." The service also included music by Debbie Hanford and a keynote by Peter Puzzo of the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 189.

The keynote focused on Charles L. Futch, a World War II airman for whom American Legion Post 189 is named. "It is my honor and privilege to tell the story of Charles L. Futch," Puzzo said. According to Puzzo, Futch grew up in the area, trained in aircraft mechanics and gunnery, joined a B-17 crew attached to the Eighth Air Force in England, and flew 10 successful missions. On what Puzzo described as the crew's 11th mission, "on that fateful day, 29 May 1943," the plane was hit over Saint Namur, France, and all crew members were killed. Puzzo said Technical Sergeant Futch was posthumously awarded the Air Force Medal with oak leaf cluster and a Purple Heart and is buried at Saint James American Cemetery in France.

Puzzo also described the Sons of the American Legion's Remember Our Heroes program, saying the group places markers on American flags "twice a year on over 1,200 veterans graves at 3 locations within our country." He thanked member George Von Cantor for research support and briefly named other local service members whose remains or memorials the group recognizes.

Ceremonial elements included the advancing and retiring of colors by the Sebastian area honor guard, a moment of silence, three rifle volleys and the ringing of a ship's bell to signify stages in a veteran's life. The Knights of Columbus laid a wreath at the Combat Veterans Memorial, and Michael Hyde, identified as a retired U.S. Merchant Marine and honor guard member, performed Amazing Grace.

Mayor McParle's proclamation referenced national observances of Memorial Day, including its 1868 origins and the National Holiday Act of 1971, and urged the community to "pass down to younger generations the knowledge" of the sacrifices made by service members. The event concluded with an invitation from the VFW to attend an open house at its facility.

No formal council votes or policy actions were taken at the service; the gathering was ceremonial and intended to honor service members and fallen veterans.