CORTEZ – A program honoring Cortez veterans and their families will be held Saturday, May 29, from 9-10 a.m. at the Cortez Cultural Center, 11655 Cortez Road, followed by the opening of exhibits from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The morning program will feature Cortez cousins Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown and his predecessor, former Bradenton Mayor Bill Evers, with a remembrance by native son Darrell Taylor of his father Dan Taylor, who served in the U.S. Navy.
The final tribute after the names are read will be Taps, performed on trumpet by Del Couch, who served as a U.S. Air Force bugler from 1968-72.
Tours of the center will include a new exhibit about Dan Taylor and his family. Ongoing exhibits of other veterans highlight the patriotism and role of the men and women from Cortez, who number 78 in World Wars I and II, with three fatalities. Most served in the U.S. Navy (39), followed by the U.S. Army (16), U.S. Air Force/Corps (2), U.S. Merchant Marine (2), U.S. Coast Guard (1) and U.S. Marine Corps (1). Four women served, two in the WACS and two in the WAVES.
A new feature at the Center is a diorama displaying the different stages of net fishing, made by author John McDonald.
There is no charge for the program or entrance to the exhibits, but donations are accepted and volunteers are welcome.
Limited parking is on site, accessible traveling east on Cortez Road; additional parking is in the Florida Maritime Museum lot at 4415 119th St. W. with a short walk over the Bonefish Bridge.
