Congressman Cory Mills keynotes the event, with Vice Mayor Butlien and Pastor Storts Dennis and Michelle Hewitt view the brick dedicated to Dennis’ father, Vaeth Hewitt Sr., a WWII Marine Veteran.
Contributed by the City of DeBary
The City of DeBary, in partnership with the DeBary Foundation, celebrated the opening of its Bricks of Honor program. The event took place at DeBary’s Veterans Memorial Park with Congressman Cory Mills as keynote speaker. Over 250 veterans, community members, and elected officials turned out for the event.
The “Bricks of Honor, Stories of Valor” Memorial Brick Project is a lasting tribute to the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces and Gold Star families. Each memorial brick represents an individual who answered the call to serve - men and women who stepped forward so others might live in freedom. The program aims to ensure these legacies becomes a permanent part of DeBary’s story.
“Veterans Memorial Park is a lasting expression of our community’s gratitude to those who defended our freedoms” stated Jim Old, Chairman of the DeBary Foundation. “It reflects DeBary’s respect for their service and the civic pride that unites our city. As Chairman of the Foundation and a 20-year Navy combat aviator, I am honored to speak for our entire team, who were proud to help bring this plaza to life as a tribute to those who served.”
The program is an addition of DeBary’s Memorial Park, which is already home to a U.S. Air Force F-15, a Navy anchor, and a U.S. Army tank. Through a partnership with the newly formed DeBary Foundation, the City achieved this goal by having the foundation raise funds through brick sales, while City staff handled installation at the park.
“Partnering with the DeBary Foundation on the Bricks of Honor project was an important first step in what will be a strong and lasting partnership,” said Jason Schaitz, DeBary Parks and Recreation Director. “This project had long been a goal for our Memorial Park, but funding for the bricks was the missing piece. Through the Foundation’s support and community-driven fundraising, that vision became a reality. We’re thrilled to expand the ways we honor our veterans and heroes and look forward to building on this momentum together.”
The City of DeBary was founded in 1993. Located on the St. Johns River, the City offers a unique urban community, highlighting its history, ecotourism, and small-town living.
