Bonita Springs proclaims Veterans Day, honors local veterans and launches Purple Heart Monument fundraising

Bonita Springs, Florida — Bonita Springs city officials and veterans groups gathered at Riverside Park on Nov. 11, 2025, for a Veterans Day ceremony that included a city proclamation, a keynote address, honors for local veterans and the launch of a fundraising campaign for a Purple Heart Monument.

Councilman Nigel Fulop read a proclamation, on behalf of Mayor Mike Gibson and the city council, formally declaring Nov. 11, 2025, Veterans Day in the City of Bonita Springs and urging residents to participate in patriotic ceremonies. ‘‘I, Mike Gibson, mayor, on behalf of the city council and the citizens of Bonita Springs, Florida, do hereby proclaim 11/11/2025 as Veterans Day in the city of Bonita Springs,’’ the proclamation states.

The ceremony included a formal dedication of a POW/MIA empty chair and music from local performers. Chaplain Dan Thompson of the American Legion led opening and closing prayers, asking that ‘‘each of our veterans feel honored, not just today, but every day.’’ The Lee County Sheriff’s Office honor guard posted the colors and the Bonita Springs High School Junior ROTC led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Senior Chief Dave Ross, a World War II veteran who served as a signalman and gunner and survived the torpedoing of the USS Crockett, was honored for his lifetime of service to the community. Introduced by Councilman Fulop and longtime neighbors, Ross received public recognition for his military service and postwar civic contributions; speakers noted his decades living in the Imperial Estates neighborhood.

Colonel Martin Spann (ret.), the event’s keynote speaker, reflected on the service and civic contributions of veterans and shared personal stories about fellow veterans, including John Harrison, a World War II veteran who endured the Bataan Death March and later was interred at Arlington National Cemetery. Spann said veterans ‘‘bring a wealth of valuable qualities, experiences to their communities,’’ and urged the audience to thank veterans directly: ‘‘Look them right in the eye and say, you are worth it.’’

Jan Farrington of the Veterans Advisory Board outlined two community remembrance projects at Riverside Park: the existing ‘‘Isle of Flags’’—100 flags bearing veterans’ names with a goal to expand to about 200 flags—and plans to replace memorial bricks around the park with larger, more durable bricks. Farrington also described plans for a Purple Heart Monument estimated to cost about $50,000, with sponsorship tiers of $1,000 (bronze), $2,500 (silver) and $5,000 (gold). She directed interested donors to contact American Legion Post 303 or city hall for details.

On behalf of American Legion Post 303, Commander Adam Prinke presented the Veterans Advisory Committee with a $2,500 check to help start the monument fundraising campaign. ‘‘It is our hope that this donation will kick off the fundraising campaign and encourage our local organizations, businesses, and the community to come together and support the creation of a lasting reminder of the gratitude we have for those willing to lay down their lives,’’ Prinke said.

The ceremony also included the laying of wreaths by representatives of the American Legion Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary and the Daughters of the American Revolution, Taps performed by the Marine Corps League and a three-volley rifle salute by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard.

Organizers said fundraising and park improvements will continue; American Legion Post 303 and the Veterans Advisory Board encouraged community donations through the city and via information posted on the city website.

— Reporting by Bonita Springs City Veterans Advisory Committee and American Legion Post 303 attendees.