About 20 Seminole and community members gathered to honor fallen soldiers at a Memorial Day event May 30, held at the Veterans Fitness Trail Park on the Big Cypress reservation.

“Memorial Day is about remembering those who have fallen in war,” Pastor Arlen Payne, of the Big Cypress New Testament Baptist Church, said to those in attendance. “Today all across the country there will be events like this.”

Payne emceed the event. A few tribal members and non-tribal servicemen and women spoke at the somber event.

“Today we pause to make sure they are not forgotten,” Richard Bowers said. “I’d like to remember all of our tribal ancestors who fought to keep us free,” said Joe Frank, Associate Justice on the Tribal Court. “And today’s tribal members that joined our new neighbors and allies in keeping us free.”

After the speeches, veterans from each branch of the military raised the flags of those branches to commemorate the day.

“We are thankful for everybody who’s here and thankful for many of them who serve, their dedication and commitment,” Payne said.

George Mutlos, president of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 23 in Fort Lauderdale, presented a plaque to show the organization’s appreciation for the support its golf tournament received from President Mitchell Cypress and the Seminole Tribe of Florida Inc.

The plaque reads: “Thank you President Mitchell Cypress and the Seminole Tribe of Florida Inc. for their generous donation to benefit and support Chapter 23 Annual Golf Tournament. As a token of our appreciation, we present this to you.”

President Cypress’ brother, former Big Cypress Councilman David Cypress, received the plaque from Mutlos at the podium.