Asked later if he had specifically chosen to highlight Piestewa’s story at a time when the histories and contributions of women and people of color to the U.S. Military are systematically being erased as a result of efforts to rid the federal government of references to diversity, equity and inclusion, Stephen demurred and maintained that wasn’t on his mind at all.   

“I wanted a unique story that hadn’t been told a lot of times before, and she was one of those. It had no meaning other than that,” he told VoxPopuli.

Even so, references to Piestewa had been among the casualties of the DEI purge from Department of Defense websites and were only restored after pushback from Arizona members of Congress and the Gila River Indian Community. Sharing her story, Stephen helps ensure Piestewa's memory lives on.

Stephen affirmed for those assembled in front of Town Hall for the 10 a.m. Memorial Day ceremony, hosted by the Town of Windermere and the Rotary Club of Windermere, that while many Americans were enjoying the long weekend with barbecues and beach getaways, “For those of us here today, that is not what we know today is about. Today is not Independence Day. It’s not Armed Forces Day or Veterans Day. It’s not V-E Day or V-J Day. Today is Memorial Day and that holds a special significance to those of us who served in the military or to those whose family and friends have.  It commemorates those brave men and women who gave their lives defending our great nation.”

Among the assembled were Nicole Wilson, District 1 Orange County Commissioner, Republican Congressman Daniel Webster (who spoke both in Windermere and earlier in the morning in Winter Garden), Chaplain Andy Jones, Town Council Member and Ret. U.S. Air Force Colonel Tony Davit, Town Council Member Brandi Haines, Ret. Brig. Gen. Jay Gardiner, former Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn and the Girl Scout Citrus Singers. 

Addressing the crowd, Windermere Mayor Jim O’Brien spoke of freedom, patriotism and democracy. 

“ We gather to remember those who answered the call, to protect and defend the foundation of all of our freedoms,” he said. “We acknowledge that freedom all too often comes at a high price and laying down one's life for our nation is the truest form of patriotism. … We must never be careless with the gift of freedom. We must be forever mindful that while our nation is strong, the tenets of democracy can be fragile and deserve careful tending. John F. Kennedy reminded us as we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words. But to live by them.”

O'Brien added that Windermere was not “immune to the sacrifice, the pain, nor the cost of freedom that we hold so dear,” and made special mention of 1st Lt. Army Ranger Evan Fitzgibbon, a town resident who died in 2022 during a training accident in Georgia.

“As mayor, I ask that each of you keep a place in your heart today and everyday for the memory of 1st Lt. Army Ranger Evan Fitzgibbon,” he said. “Circle his family in loving support.”

Earlier Monday morning, the city of Winter Garden and American Legion Post #63 hosted a wreath-laying ceremony for Memorial Day in Veterans Memorial Park with speakers that included Webster, Mayor John Rees and Ms. Veteran America 2024-2025 Cassandra Guzman. 

Rees urged those who packed the park’s bleachers for the 8:30 a.m. event to note the reason we mark Memorial Day. 

“Too often, the true meaning of Memorial Day gets lost amid holiday activities,” Rees said. “But as we gather with family and friends, it’s important to remember why this day is set aside.”

Citing 1.2 million as the U.S. Armed Services death toll for all the wars the United States has fought, Rees said Memorial Day is “a day to remember these brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in our Armed Forces. It’s a day to pay tribute to them for their courage. It’s a day to be thankful for their service and pray for their loved ones they left behind.”

Webster, who represents Congressional District 11, which includes Winter Garden and Windermere, spoke of the common bond among soldiers. 

“Those courageous men and women — they were different, different in heritage, different in background, yet they had a commonality,” Webster said. “And that was their duty and their sacrifice.”

David Kassander, commander of the American Legion Post #63, noted the importance of women who have served in the military as he introduced Guzman as the keynote speaker. 

“Women have always contributed to our nation’s defense, breaking societal barriers with remarkable courage,” Kassander said. “Since [the 20th century], women have increasingly excelled in roles once exclusive to men, serving with distinction in Iraq and Afghanistan, flying combat missions and operating on the front lines.”

Guzman spent 10 years with the Air Force as a medical logistics technician and professional military education instructor. Now, as Ms. Veteran America 2024, she advocates for women veterans, especially mothers, who experience homelessness when they return from active duty, helping them to find housing.

“These women, who once wore the uniform with pride, often return home to an uncertain future, forgotten, underserved and vulnerable,” Guzman said. “It is a quiet crisis in our country, one we can no longer afford to overlook.”

“Honoring the fallen isn’t just about looking back,” Guzman told attendees. “It’s about how we live forward. That’s why I proudly carry the mission of Final Salute Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting homeless women veterans and their children.”

Guzman also spoke to Gold Star families of loved ones killed in service.

“To every Gold Star family here today, I say this: your loved ones’ sacrifice will never be forgotten; their courage echoes in every freedom we enjoy,” Guzman said. “And to every veteran struggling in silence, you are not invisible and you are not alone. As long as I wear this crown and title, I will continue to fight for you.”

The names of soldiers from Winter Garden who made "the supreme sacrifice" were read aloud:

From World War I

1st Lt. Hugh T. Gregory, Pvt. George R. Tamsitt

From World War II 

S/Sgt. Paul Parker, 2 Lt. Jack Gray, 2 Lt. Roy Cosgrove, Pvt. Provia Ison, Lt. Col. George B. McMillan, Capt. Walter L. Jordan, PFC. Rodney Connell, Tech 4 John Vick, Pvt. William C. Bray, Sgt. W.H. Crawford, PFC. James B. Hennis, Cpl. David W. Tubb

From Korea

PFC. Arthur P. Nolan, Cpl. Elton E. Smoak, S/Sgt. Buford L. Bums

From Vietnam

L/Cpl. Cecil R. Moorman, S/Sgt. Charles W. Love, Jr., S/Sgt. Nathan E. Peacock, Jr., SP. 4 Herbert L. Thompson, SP. 4 Charles Fields, SP. 5 Buford G. Johnson, Sgt. Charlie Rainey, Maj. Marion E. Reed, SP. 4 Gary Maloy

Tim Levell, vice commander of the American Legion Post #63, played a haunting rendition of Taps to conclude the ceremony.

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Norine Dworkin contributed reporting.

The American Legion Post #63 is creating a scrapbook to honor Winter Garden residents who lost their lives in foreign wars, dating back to World War I. Those who have photos or stories about the soldiers are encouraged to contact American Legion Post #63 at 271 W. Plant Street, by phone (407) 656-6361 or through their website.