Zephyrhills gathered in heartfelt unity this Veterans Day as residents, families, and servicemembers filled Zephyr Park to honor those who have worn the nation’s uniform. Under a bright morning sky and the backdrop of American flags, the annual ceremony—presented by Marine Corps League #1124—offered a moving tribute filled with reflection, gratitude, and powerful messages from local leaders.
Master of Ceremonies Joseph Theriot of VFW Post 8154 opened the event with deeply felt words that set the tone for the morning.
“On Veterans Day, we stop to honor those who have worn the uniform,” Theriot said. “Those who stood watch in the dark and carried the cost of liberty on their shoulders. Those aren’t just names in history books and photos in frames. They are fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, friends and neighbors. To every vet in our community and across the nation, we want you to know—we thank God for you.”
Attendees stood in silence as the weight of those words lingered across the park.
Guest speaker Mayor Melonie Bahr Monson expressed gratitude not only for the nation’s veterans, but also for the city that steadfastly honors them each year.
“I’m grateful to live in a city that honors this tradition,” she said. “No matter what, we are going to be here on this day… to honor our veterans.”
Monson encouraged residents to connect more deeply with the veterans around them. “I encourage you, whether civilian or veteran, to dig deeper—ask questions, listen, take an interest in their experiences and sacrifices,” she said. “Doing so is more powerful than you know.”
She reflected on the role veterans continue to play after leaving military service.
“They might be a school teacher, a construction worker, a first responder, a business owner, a real estate agent, or part of our own police force,” she said. “We are surrounded by amazing veterans every day. It’s up to us to ensure every veteran feels that their service is appreciated.”
Her closing message called for continued unity and action.
“Let us honor our veterans by being better people. Let’s use the love in our hearts to enrich the lives around us… and recognize that ‘thank you’ is just the beginning of gratitude.”
State Senator Danny Burgess, the ceremony’s keynote speaker, delivered a stirring speech that wove together national history, local pride, and personal reflection.
“Veterans Day is not just about remembering battles that were fought,” Burgess said. “It’s about recognizing a spirit of service that defines who we are as Americans.”
He highlighted Zephyrhills’ unique military past, reminding the crowd that the city itself was founded by Civil War veterans seeking community and peace after years of hardship. That tradition continued into World War II, he noted, when pilots trained at the armory airfield that would eventually become today’s Zephyrhills Municipal Airport.
Burgess shared the story of a personal friend, Jonathan O’Niell, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2009. “That hits home,” he said, pausing as many in the audience nodded in somber recognition.
As he spoke, Burgess pointed to the next generation—including his own children, who have attended the ceremony since infancy—as proof that understanding service begins early.
He emphasized that only about 5 percent of Americans today are veterans and less than 1 percent actively serve in the Armed Forces.
“These are people who simply say, ‘Send me if needed.’ That’s something to be incredibly proud of,” he said.
As the nation approaches its 250th birthday, Burgess urged everyone to honor veterans through purposeful living.
“Our strength has never come from comfort. It comes from character,” he said. “Let us honor our vets not only with words but by living lives worthy of their sacrifice.”
He closed with a personal update and a smile: still serving in the Army Reserve, Burgess said he is hopeful for a promotion—“and if not, they’ll have to kick me out.”
Families stayed afterward to speak with servicemembers, take photos, and share stories that spanned generations.
In Zephyrhills, Veterans Day was more than a ceremony—it was a renewed promise to remember, appreciate, and carry forward the values of service.
“God bless you all,” Burgess told the crowd as the ceremony came to a close. “I love you and appreciate y’all being here.”
