Oldsmar board outlines Memorial Day program, eyes youth essay contest and keynote speaker

City parks staff and members of the Oldsmar Veterans Advisory Board discussed programming and recruitment strategies for this year’s Memorial Day observance, focusing on youth participation and logistics.

John Lindsay, Oldsmar Parks & Recreation supervisor, reviewed the event “footprint” the city has followed in recent years—bagpipers, a color guard, a singer for the national anthem and a keynote speaker—and said those elements are largely in place. “If you wanted to do Memorial Day tomorrow, I could pretty much put that together for you,” he said.

Lindsay proposed outreach to middle and high schools for an essay contest or student presentations to boost youth engagement, a suggestion that board members welcomed as a way to sustain attendance as the veteran population ages. “Maybe go to the schools and ask them to do a little essay contest about what Memorial Day means to them,” Lindsay said.

The group discussed ceremonial elements, including whether to include a rifle salute in years when an eagle presentation appears. One board member noted a past instance when both the eagle and rifle salute were present and said the eagle did not “appreciate that,” and the group agreed to prioritize coordination and safety when scheduling ceremonial displays.

Board members and staff also discussed identifying a keynote speaker and sending invitations to county and state representatives; Lindsay said he already had contacts lined up for several components of the program and that the new appointees to the board would work with staff on planning.

The board agreed to continue planning and to coordinate among volunteers, staff and newly appointed members ahead of the Memorial Day event. No formal motions or budget decisions were recorded during the discussion.