The Collier at Naples unveils its ‘Wall of Valor’

A huge honor came for a bunch of veterans. 12 of them are now on a “Wall of Valor at the Collier of Naples Assisted Living Facility.

The Collier at Naples honored veterans at its Wall of Valor ceremony. Traci Wood is the executive director of Collier at Naples. “It’s always been a desire at the collier at Naples to honor our veterans, those that have done so much for our country,” Wood said. “we wanted to have a big ceremony to reveal our veteran’s wall,” Wood said.

Twelve of those neighbors now have a special place on the wall. And Franklin McQuad appreciates the gesture. “When we got home from Korea, we had nothing. Nothing but tears,” said McQuad. “We had a job and we did it. they don’t owe us nothing.”

McQuad told WINK News he appreciates how this nation supported its men, woman and veterans today. It wasn’t always that way. Leo Martinez is the community relations director for The Collier at Naples. “We owe the utmost to them for our freedom, and without them, we wouldn’t have the things we have today,” Martinez said.

Sergeant Brian Sawyer is with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. “Freedom is not free, and it’s because of those sacrifices that our veterans have made, is why we are here today and enjoy our time living in this beautiful community that we do,” Sawyer said.

This ceremony marked an emotional moment for George Alexander. “That was extra special, and that’s what counts,” Alexander said.

They honored those who are still serving today and every day.

CCSO and Naples High School ROTC, band and guard joined the ceremony, as did other organizations.