Kings Point Suncoast Community Honors Veterans by Renaming Its Theater on Memorial Day
SUN CITY CENTER, Fla. – Kings Point residents will give the community’s impressive theater a new name, “Veterans Theater,” just prior to this area’s traditional Memorial Day Ceremony, at 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 25, in the Kings Point Clubhouse, 1900 Clubhouse Drive.
“Our veterans have earned our lasting gratitude as we enjoy, every day, the life they have preserved for us,” said Liz Argott, President of the Federation of Kings Point Associations. “What better way to express our gratitude than to name our theater in their honor, and what better moment to rename it ‘Veterans Theater’ than just before the 2015 Memorial Day Ceremony?”
Completed in 1981, the 850-seat theater, with professional sound and lighting, has hosted Sun City Center’s Memorial Day Observance for many years. Tens of thousands of Kings Point residents and their guests have laughed, cried and applauded through hundreds of special events and celebrity entertainment in the theater. This Memorial Day ceremony is sponsored by the combined military veterans’ organizations of Sun City Center and is supported by the joint efforts of many participating community service organizations.
After the renaming ceremony at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Sun City Center will observe its traditional Memorial Day Ceremony starting at 10 a.m. in Veterans Theater at the main Kings Point Clubhouse, Sun City Center. Doors will open at 9 a.m. for open general attendance seating. All invited guests with reserved seating are requested to be seated not later than 9:45 a.m.
This Memorial Day ceremony honors all former or present community veterans. 184 veterans who have passed away since last Memorial Day will be recognized by a Roll Call of Departed Comrades held concurrently with Sun City Center’s traditional Living Flag Tribute.
The featured speaker will be U.S. Air Force Colonel Mike “Scud” Escudie. He is a U.S. Air Force Reserve officer assigned to the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs, who is also a contractor with the U.S. Central Command (U.S. CENTCOM) Communication Integration Directorate in the Media Division at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla.
Colonel Escudie joined the U.S. CENTCOM team as a major in 2003. As a public affairs officer, he has personally advised senior leaders such as General Tommy Franks, General John Abizaid and General David Petraeus. His numerous positions at CENTCOM include Chief of Media Relations, Chief of Coalition Public Affairs and Chief of Community Relations and National Outreach. Col. Escudie is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq. He has served in the Pentagon, as well as overseas in Guam and in more than 25 countries. Col. Escudie has served in the U.S. Air Force for 23 years.
A musical interlude and tribute to the military services will be provided by the Trinity Baptist Church Choir directed by Rev. James Feist. Colors will be presented by the East Bay High School J.R.O.T.C. Grand Marshal is Col. Roy Conklin, USA (Retired), assisted by members of the Ruskin Boy Scout Troops 661 and 662, who will place the wreath at the flagpole outside the auditorium.
As part of our annual tribute to our deceased veterans, and showing the great spirit of Sun City Center patriotism, the Patriots Club makes arrangements for and funds the display of U.S. flags on S.R. 674. This year the flags will fly until after the Fourth of July.
About Kings Point Suncoast
Kings Point is an exclusive active adult community located in West Central Florida just 20 miles south of Tampa in Sun City Center, FL. Nestled between the bustling metropolis of Tampa Bay and the white sands of Sarasota’s beautiful area beaches, Sun City Center is an ideal place to retire. With nearly 5,500 homes, 45 holes of golf, six indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, a new fitness/wellness center and hundreds of unique social clubs, groups, organizations and classes, the Kings Point Suncoast community has something for everyone. Visit www.kingspointsuncoast.com.