The Korean War Veterans of South Lake County held their 4th Annual Veterans Celebration and Car Show at the Citrus Tower in Clermont on November 2, 2003. It threatened to rain in the morning, but turned out to be a great day. Raffle tickets had been sold for a four post lift, and a pink “Betty Boop” refrigerator prior to the show. The lift was won by Bob Johnson, and the refrigerator went to Brian Miller. Vets also raffled off a professional motorcycle lift the day of the show, and the winner was Todd Myers. The lifts were donated to the Veterans by Affordable Automotive Equipment of Orlando. A 50/50 drawing was also held, with $310 going to the winner.

From 11am to 1pm the Veterans presented the colors from the different organizations in attendance. Congress Woman Ginny Brown Waite presented some medals, which had been owed to some Veterans for fifty years. There was an Honor Guard presentation and a gun salute, plus no one will forget the four plane fly-over. The planes represented the four branches of the service, and on the last pass over the tower they simulated smoke and a missing man formation. In addition to DJ Joe Monte spinning great CD’s, the instrumental “Shades of the Past Band” played great 50’s, 60’s and 70’s music, the “Dukes of Harmony” did there fabulous doo-wop renditions, and Byron and Theresa Holton and children performed inside the lobby of the Citrus Tower. In all, the music was great for dancing or listening.

A huge American flag was flying from a boom on a hook and ladder fire truck over the main stage area. The Lake County Sheriff’s Department had some of their equipment on display and there were many military vehicles on display. The entire surrounding area of the Citrus Tower accommodated the 206 registered vehicles, and with quality of cars present it would have been difficult to be a judge. Award plaques were given out to the Top 70, and 15 specialty trophies were given out based on “stuff they liked in general”.

All proceeds from this event will again be used for scholarships for high school seniors, emergency assistance to needy Vets, and this year the Vets purchased phone cards and mailed them to our troops in Iraq in order that they could call home during the Holidays. The Veterans appreciate the excellent support of all those involved in the process of formulating this show, and offer up a big Thank You to all in attendance. This was certainly one of those shows where everyone came out a winner, and with a rewed appreciation for all of our Veterans. CN