BUSHNELL - The Florida National Cemetery Joint Veterans Committee (JVC) will sponsor the annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Florida National Cemetery on Monday, May 30, 2011 at 11:00 a.m.  Brigadier Gen. James S. Hartsell, Deputy Commanding General, I Marine Expeditionary Force (MOB) will be the Guest Speaker.

Steve Jerve of WFLA TV News Channel 8 (Tampa) will be the Master of Ceremonies.  Josh Autry will lead the Hernando High School Band as they play patriotic music prior to the ceremony. Patriotic songs during the ceremony will be performed by Linda Burnette and Laura Riley and Naomi McClain will perform on the bagpipes.  Gayle Williams will play Taps.  There will be a gun salute by Florida National Guard and posting of the colors.  Ye Mystic Air Krewe will provide a flyover.  

Guests are invited to arrive early and enjoy the patriotic and inspirational musical prelude which will begin shortly before the ceremony.  Seating is limited; those attending are encouraged to
arrive early, wear comfortable clothing and bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit upon.  The ceremony begins at 11:00 a.m. - rain or shine.

The Joint Veterans Committee and the Florida National Cemetery extend an invitation to all veterans' organizations and the general public to take this opportunity to remember and honor the men and women who served and gave so much to protect our great nation. Organizations with colors are invited to participate in the massing of colors at the beginning of the program.

Veterans' organizations should plan to arrive by 9:30 a.m.

The Avenue of Flags consisting of approximately 400 flags will be on display along the roadways of the cemetery.  These flags were donated to the cemetery by the next of kin of deceased veterans and were once draped over the caskets or cremation urns of veterans.

DIRECTIONS TO THE CEMETERY:  Take Interstate 75 to Exit 309 (Webster) turning right and heading west approximately    mile to the cemetery entrance, which will be on the left.  Special parking is available for individuals with wheelchairs and scooters and for the physically disabled near the ceremony site in Section 403.  Cemetery personnel will be assisting visitors upon arrival at the cemetery.

The Florida National Cemetery Visitor's Center will be open to the public on Memorial Day from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.  Cemetery representatives will be on duty to assist visitors with inquiries. For further information, please contact the cemetery office Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by calling (352) 793-7740.