Central Florida Veterans Memorial Park Foundation, Inc.

Central Florida Veterans Memorial, Inc., co-hosted the Consulate of France at a ceremony at the VA Medical Center at Lake Nona on July 6, 2016.  The Legion of Honor Medal to American WWII Veterans honored seven WWII Veterans who fought on French soil during WWII.

On the 60th anniversary of the Normandy landings, France decided to grant the Legion of Honor to all the U.S. Veterans who fought on French soil.  It is a way to thank those who are still among us and also a token of gratitude towards the many soldiers who gave their lives in the name of freedom, and a symbol of the great Franco-American relationship.

Ms. Brigitte Jensen, Honorary Consul of France in Orlando welcomed all guests.  The singing of the French National Anthem and the United States National Anthem was a highlight of the program.

Speakers were Mr. Jerry Pierce, Chairman of Central Florida Veterans Memorial Park Foundation, Inc. and Mr. Philippe Letrilliart, Consul General of France.

The presentation of French Legion of Honor Medals was made by Consul General Philippe Letrilliart and Captain Jean-Michel Caffin, French Army Reserve to the following:

Ralph Bove
George Davis
Anthony Falbo
Murvin Goyette
Donald Koelbel
Roland Lee
Eric Reilinger

Central Florida was represented by Eric Reilinger from Melbourne, Florida (Brevard County) and George Davis from Port Orange, Florida (Volusia County).

  
Singing the French National Anthem                                    SPEAKERS
and the U.S. National Anthem
              

THE LEGION OF HONOR PRESENTATIONS

Jerry Pierce, Central Florida Veterans Memorial Park Foundation, Inc., Chairman,
and Consul Staff

Donn and Jeanne Weaver, the parents of 1st LT Todd William Weaver, visited the Veterans Memorial at Lake Nona on June 28, 2016.

1st Lt. Todd William Weaver, 26, was killed in action in Kandahar,  Afghanistan on September 9, 2010.  He died while leading his platoon and protecting the freedoms of the family, friends, and country he loved.  Lt Weaver’s  short life was full, happy, and exceptionally accomplished. A veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, he was a decorated officer with an extremely bright future in the military.

Donn and Jeanne Weaver

    Donn Weaver                                                                  Chaplain James Smith
Jim Donovan
Donn and Jeanne Weaver

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During their visit to the Memorial, Donn and Jeanne presented a copy of the book, Losing Todd A Mother’s Journey, written by Jeanne Weaver to be placed in the Chapel which is adjacent to the Memorial.

Jeanne Weaver’s presentation to Chaplain James Smith

Following their visit, Jeanne Weaver
wrote the following about their visit:

“Today, June 28, 2016, was a memorable day for me. The Memorial built at Lake Nona is monumental and beautiful. To see Todd’s name etched into its stone and to feel the relief of the letters is something I will never forget. Thank you. 

I believe that each of us is given a gift by God that will see us through those most difficult times in our lives. For me, it was the ability to express my emotions of love through my art. 

The book is the story of why and how I painted the paintings. Yes, the story is about my son, Todd; but more important than building a legacy of paintings in memory of my son, it is a story about healing. It means so much to me that you understood that. 

I am honored to know that Losing Todd A Mother’s Journey is placed in the Lake Nona Memorial Chapel. As you said, it is a Chapel, not only for remembrance; but for healing. Perhaps someone in need will look through the book and find their own inspiration; and through that their God-given gift in finding hope, peace, and love. “

Jeanne Harris Weaver and Donn Weaver

For additional information about 1LT Todd W. Weaver  go to the following website:  http://1lttoddweaver.org

For additional information about Todd’s life and the book Losing Todd A Mother’s Journey, go to the following website:http://www.losingtoddamothersjourneyfindingpeaceinmyheart.com