Memorial Day tributes across Florida, nation as Americans honor the fallen
The Brief
A traveling Vietnam memorial drew hundreds in Clermont, Fla., on Memorial Day.
Ceremonies across Florida and the nation honored the sacrifices of U.S. service members.
From local parks to Arlington Cemetery, the message was clear: they are never forgotten.
CLERMONT, Fla. - On Memorial Day, the City of Clermont paused to honor the lives of those who gave everything for their country, with a poignant tribute centered around a traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
What we know
On Memorial Day, the City of Clermont hosted a powerful tribute centered on the Vietnam Traveling Wall — a scaled-down replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The wall, which features the names of more than 58,000 U.S. service members who died in the Vietnam War, drew large crowds to Waterfront Park. This is the second year the wall has visited Clermont, serving as a focal point for remembrance and honor. The event included patriotic music, rifle salutes, and a strong turnout from veterans and families alike.
Meanwhile, other ceremonies took place across the country, including a major tribute at Arlington National Cemetery, where President Donald Trump laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
What we don't know
While the event powerfully resonated with attendees, it's unclear whether the Vietnam Traveling Wall will return to Clermont in the coming years, or how many cities are on its future itinerary. Additionally, while the ceremonies deeply moved those present, the long-term impact on younger generations' understanding of military sacrifice remains to be seen.
The backstory
The Vietnam Traveling Wall is a replica created to make the experience of the national memorial accessible to those who can't visit Washington, D.C. First constructed in the 1980s, the wall has toured cities across the U.S., offering communities a personal and tangible connection to the Vietnam War and its legacy. Its presence in Clermont reflects a broader national tradition of honoring veterans in localized, heartfelt ways.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the site of the national Memorial Day observance, dates back to 1921 and serves as a symbol for all unidentified or missing U.S. service members.
Local perspective
In Clermont and throughout Florida, Memorial Day observances served as a reminder that the cost of war is both national and deeply personal. Local connections to the names on the wall made the experience especially poignant for residents. Veterans like Tuskegee Airman Daniel Keel offered living testimony to the sacrifices made by earlier generations, reinforcing the message that freedom is not free.
In Orange County, local officials honored Gold Star families with speeches and wreath-laying, showing that remembrance doesn't just happen on the national stage—it starts at home.
What they're saying
Clermont hosted a traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The scaled-down wall, bearing the names of more than 58,000 service members killed during the Vietnam War, drew hundreds to Waterfront Park for a powerful remembrance ceremony.
"It remembers all the sacrifice that they had gone through," one visitor said.
Families, veterans, and residents lined up to touch the engraved names—each one a reminder of lives lost and stories never forgotten.
"My wife's ex-boyfriend is on there, who was my cousin," said one visitor, reflecting on the layered emotions the wall brings.
Tuskegee Airman Daniel Keel reflected, "It wasn't until years later that I realized that gee, what we did was kind of unbelievable."
President Donald Trump, at Arlington, honored the fallen.
"They picked up their mantle of duty and service, knowing that to live for others meant always that they might die for others." He also addressed Gold Star families directly: "Thank you for giving America the brightest light in your lives."
STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO:
Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines
Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar
Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines
FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV
The Source
This story was written based on information shared by the City of Clermont, the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall, and Fox News.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-man-with-stomach-ache-HOWLONGUHOLD0525-033d51b3687d4f6682abf62d5bfa0b41.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
an hour ago
- Travel + Leisure
This Is How Long Travelers Hold Their Bowels and Bladder While Traveling, Survey Finds
There are a lot of things that can throw off your digestion while traveling. From the airplane ride itself to eating new foods in your destination that are far from your typical meals, it's no surprise when our tummies get a little upset. The key thing to know here is that it's nothing to be embarrassed about. In fact, a new QS Supplies survey shows that 51 percent of travelers experience "digestive changes" while traveling. But that's not the wildest stat it found. In March, the online bathroom warehouse brand, released the findings of its Toilet Troubles While Traveling Study, which surveyed more than 1,000 UK and American travelers to learn the "unfiltered truth about what really happens when nature calls on the go." The most critical piece of information this survey found is that if you're a traveler it's important to try to overcome any fear of public toilets, which is a real diagnosable disorder known as parcopresis, or "shy bowel syndrome," which the IBD News Daily explains, is "the inability to defecate in public." It noted that while the American Psychiatric Association doesn't officially recognize parcopresis, it does consider paruesis (aka shy bladder syndrome) a social anxiety disorder. Paruesis impacts up to 16.4 percent of people. The reason it's critical to address this before traveling is because the QS Supplies survey found that the average traveler will hold their bladder and bowels for 83 minutes if they are traveling instead of using an unfamiliar toilet. It also noted that "one in five travelers hold it for more than two hours before using an unfamiliar toilet." The survey stated that 89 percent of respondents said they hold it over "cleanliness concerns," followed by 60 percent citing "bad smells" and 53 percent citing "no toilet paper or soap." "Brits tend to hold it longer than Americans, waiting 90 minutes on average before using an unfamiliar toilet while traveling, compared to 79 minutes for Americans," the team shared in the findings. "This hesitation extends to the air as well, where opinions on in-flight etiquette vary. More than half of travelers (52 percent) believed people should never fart on an airplane and should hold it in, with Americans (54 percent) more likely than Brits (47 percent) to agree." Again, can't stress enough, science says to please just pass the gas. You can hurt yourself holding it in. Still, the respondents to the QS Supplies survey certainly had feelings about other people's stomach issues. Nearly 1 in 5 respondents (19 percent) said that passengers with "particularly smelly farts should be removed from a flight, while 29 percent of travelers said they should be "reimbursed for sitting next to someone who farts, with Americans (33 percent) more likely than Brits (24 percent) to feel entitled to a refund." This, despite the fact that 40 percent of respondents also stated they have experienced a bathroom emergency while traveling. So yes, digestive drama on the road is more common than you think and remember: we're all human and none of this has to be as embarrassing or scary as it seems. Just maybe don't skip the pre-boarding bathroom break if you've got the chance.
Forbes
2 hours ago
- Forbes
Father's Day Gift Guide 2025: 12 Ways To Gift Quality Time Together
A father and his two boys fishing at Abbott Lake. (Photo by: Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) Universal Images Group via Getty Images When it comes to Father's Day, the most valuable gift you can give might not come in a box—it's time. Time to unwind. Time to connect. Time to create new stories together. For busy dads, carving out space for memorable experiences is more meaningful than any material thing. These gifts go beyond socks and scotch. They are built around doing, not just giving—offering everything from hands-on workshops and hiking adventures to luxury retreats and customizable global tours. Whether you're planning a day with just the kids, a weekend getaway with extended family, or a bold bucket-list bonding moment, each idea here is designed to inspire connection, laughter, learning and exploration. Turn an ordinary day into a luxury getaway with ResortPass, which lets families enjoy high-end hotel amenities without booking an overnight stay. Dad can spend the day poolside at a five-star resort, unwind in a cabana, or recharge with spa access—all at properties he's always wanted to visit. It's an ideal option for families who want a mini-escape without the full vacation commitment. With hundreds of participating hotels across the U.S., the only hard part is choosing where to go next. Price: Varies by location and amenities. Ready to upgrade family game night? Activate is the world's first active gaming facility, combining high-energy physical challenges with immersive digital gameplay. With over 40 locations across North America, this screen-meets-sweat experience is like an escape room crossed with a laser maze—perfect for dads who want to move, laugh and compete with their crew. It's bonding with a heart rate boost. Price: Varies by location; typically around $25 per person. For a gift that's as entertaining as it is unexpected, take Dad back in time—chainmail and all. Medieval Times' dinner and tournament show combines jousting, feasting and cheering in a full theatrical setting, available at 10 castles across the U.S. For Father's Day 2025, upgrade to the Beer Package, which includes a 25 oz. drinking horn filled with his favorite brew. Expect laughs, competition and family bonding with a healthy dose of spectacle. Price: Varies by location; available for shows June 2 to 15, 2025. Can't decide on just one experience? Giftory makes it easy to let Dad choose his own adventure—whether it's a hot air balloon ride, dinner cruise, stock car thrill ride or wine tasting tour. The site offers flexible, book-now-or-later options that don't expire, so he can schedule when it fits his calendar. Whether he's craving adrenaline or relaxation, Giftory covers it all with one seamless gift. Price: Varies by experience; gift cards available. If Dad dreams of hitting the open road in style, RV Overnights offers the ultimate access pass. With a network of over 1,000 host locations—including wineries, golf courses, farms and historic sites—it's a curated way to experience the U.S. in a luxury RV or camper. The $49.99 annual membership unlocks exclusive locations, zero campsite fees and over $3,500 in partner discounts. It's road-tripping with none of the guesswork and all the perks. Price: $49.99/year. Give Dad a break from the screen and a reason to lace up his hiking boots with the whole family with a premium AllTrails subscription. The app makes it easy to find and navigate beautiful trails across the U.S.—whether it's a beach stroll, forest escape or desert adventure. AllTrails+ offers offline maps and real-time alerts, while the new AllTrails Peak tier adds even more features for hardcore hikers. Price: AllTrails+: $35.99/year; AllTrails Peak: $80/year. Swap another tie for a toast with one of Total Wine & More's in-store classes, offered at 270+ locations nationwide. Whether Dad prefers a bourbon deep-dive, a wine tasting tour through South America or a spirits-with-a-twist session, these guided experiences make for an affordable and enriching night out. Classes are approachable and expertly led. Price: Typically $20 per class; varies by location. For the dad who's impossible to shop for, let Tinggly do the heavy lifting. This curated experience gift box includes access to over 14,000 adventures in 100+ countries, from shark cage diving to exotic car racing. He can redeem it anytime, anywhere—and choose what kind of memory he wants to make. It's the most personalized gift you can give without picking an actual item. Price: Varies by gift box. Few things are more meaningful than building something with your own hands—and Rockler's woodworking classes let Dad do just that. With more than 40 stores nationwide, Rockler offers in-person experiences where families can make cribbage boards, beer mugs, charcuterie boards and more. It's a great multi-generational activity that results in a tangible keepsake. Price: In-store classes typically $80–$250+. For the dad who wants deep connection without the logistics headache, Wanderwild delivers luxury family retreats designed to include everyone—yes, even the kids. These multigenerational escapes place wellness, nature and quality time at the center. It's a rare combination of upscale hospitality and family inclusiveness that's as thoughtful as it is restorative. Price: Varies by retreat type and location. Boatsetter makes it easy to gift a nautical escape—whether it's sailing past city skylines, reeling in trophy catches or wakeboarding with the kids. With thousands of rental options across the U.S., Boatsetter offers everything from laid-back cruises to adrenaline-packed days on the lake. Booking is instant, captains are optional and the memories? Guaranteed. Price: Varies by location and vessel type. For world-traveling dads—or those planning their next big trip—ToursByLocals offers curated, private tours led by hand-picked guides in 176 countries. These aren't group excursions or cookie-cutter itineraries. Each experience is built around what Dad wants to see, taste and learn, whether it's a street food crawl in Tokyo or sailing the Aegean with his crew. It's cultural immersion with concierge-level care. Price: Varies by destination and tour customization.
CBS News
2 hours ago
- CBS News
New LAX/Metro Transit Center opening to connect riders to directly to airport terminals
The new LAX/Metro Transit Center will open to the public on Friday afternoon, connecting riders directly to one of the busiest airports in the world. The Metro station has been years in the making and is coming just in time for the upcoming global events Los Angeles will host, including the FIFA World Cup 2026, Super Bowl 2027 and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The LAX/Metro Transit Center will be located at Aviation Boulevard and 96th Street. It will serve two light rail lines, the C and K Lines, and several other Metro and other agency bus lines, Metro said. The station will be more than just a Metro stop, it will also feature a bike hub, restrooms, and other transportation alternatives like taxis, ridesharing and private vehicles. The station will officially open to the public at 5 p.m. and Metro is offering free fares during its opening weekend. How does the LAX/Metro Transit Center work? The new Metro Station will serve the C and K Metro Lines and other agency buses. A free shuttle will run every 10 minutes between the LAX/Metro Transit Center and all LAX terminals. Metro said the shuttle will pick up and drop off riders at the lower level of each terminal. The People Mover Connection, opening in 2026, will connect directly to the LAX/Metro Transit Center to provide an even faster trip into LAX, Metro said. Short-term and long-term parking lots will also be available. Use this link to see a map of different Metro routes to reach the new station.
