More than 300 residents turned out on November 11 to honor the veterans who had served in all branches of the Armed Forces of the U.S.
Our Landings veterans were honored at a spectacular Veterans Day Commemoration again this year on November 11, 2025.
This was the third Veterans Day commemoration held at Picnic Pointe, after some 20 years as a smaller but highly respectful commemoration at Riverside. It was a very fitting, benchmark event, setting a new Landings tradition.
A large group of veterans took their seats in separate areas identified by their military service flags. Our Landings vets mostly saw Army service, but Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard vets were amply represented as well. The U.S. Space Force is too new to have produced many veterans, so none were present. We didn’t see any U.S. Coast Guard veterans this year, but hopefully some will become part of the Landings Veterans Association as well. The spirit of camaraderie and esprit de corps among the vets was both evident and heartwarming.
There were many highlights throughout the event. The opening message was delivered by a long-time friend of The Landings, Korean War Army veteran and retired St. Hillary’s Episcopal Church pastor, the Reverend Robert Browning. The presentation of colors was done by the Cypress Lake High School Junior ROTC Color Guard. There were fabulous patriotic music presentations by our incredibly talented residents Lonza Bartlett, Keith Belfiglio and Lynn Cisky, all against a background of military music skillfully arranged by master sound technician Jim Willis.
Riverside resident Ben Shelfer, still able to fit into his USAF Captain’s hat and flight jacket, gave a stirring keynote address, “The Meaning of Being a Veteran.” This was followed by the laying of a commemorative wreath by retired Army Colonel Mike Humphreys, assisted by retired Lieutenant Colonel Scott Varnado, leader of the JROTC unit, and Navy veteran Scott Dustin. Resplendent in their service dress uniforms, Mike and Scott looked like they would be right at home at Regimental Headquarters! The event concluded with Riverside’s Jon Winters’ bugle presentation of “Taps”. Set in the beautiful, cool fall morning against the raised flags of our six U.S. armed services, the event was uplifting and stirring. It was very well received and much appreciated by the approximately 300 residents in attendance.
We were all especially pleased and impressed by the attendance of The Landings’ eldest vet, Rick Tausson, who made a special effort to attend.
Looking ahead, our Landings veterans will continue to be honored and recognized for their service and sacrifices each year, as Veterans Day has become an important Landings tradition. Many thanks to the sponsors, Riverside and the Landings Yacht Club, and best wishes to the Landings Veterans Association which will carry the tradition forward commencing in 2026.
Photos by Cathy Webb
