The driving force behind the event, Col. Steve Epkins from the U.S. Army, had a simple goal: honor 250 veterans right there in Lee County. “Every community should honor 250,” Epkins said. “That’s my mission.”

The ceremony felt personal. Lt. Gov. Jay Collins and Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson shook 250 hands, offering warm words and looking each veteran in the eye. It wasn’t just formality; every handshake meant something.

People in the crowd, families and friends, genuinely honored those sacrifices. The veterans recognized came from every era, even World War II. Ruth Bryan Blake, who served back then, shrugged off praise. “It was wartime… I had to do it,” she said.

The tribute didn’t stop with those in uniform, either. Military families felt seen, as they should. Families sacrifice right alongside their service members. Mány expressed that the support keeps members going. 

In the end, the event wasn’t just about numbers or anniversaries. It was about real people, real service, and a community coming together to say thank you, loud and clear.

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