CFO Sink Honors Military Heroes at Memorial Day Ceremony
BUSHNELL— Florida CFO Alex Sink spoke to more than 1,000 veterans, family and friends today at the annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the Florida National Cemetery to honor our state and nation’s fallen heroes.
“Today, we honor our fallen soldiers and their families — you have our eternal gratitude for your brave and enduring sacrifice to protect our nation,” said CFO Sink. “We proudly pay tribute to the many who are interred here at the Florida National Cemetery by making sure that their stories of courageous service and sacrifice are passed along to future generations. I also want to take this day to thank all of the brave troops who give of themselves to keep our country safe and free. We are forever in your debt.”
Other speakers included Nevin M. Weaver, director of the VA Sunshine Health Care Network, Veterans Integrated Service Networks 8, and Charlene D. Kee, president of the National AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary for 2008-09.
The event, sponsored by the Joint Veterans Committee (JVC), hosted over 1,000 guests who arrived along the Avenue of Flags. These flags were donated to the cemetery by the next of kin of deceased veterans and once draped the caskets or cremation urns of veterans. A gun salute was held along with the posting of colors and the Ye Mystic Airkrewe conducted a flyover. The Hernando High School Band provided music.
Florida National Cemetery is located in the Withlacoochee State Forest, approximately 50 miles north of Tampa in Sumter County. The Florida National Cemetery JVC is made up of officially appointed delegates and alternate delegates from each recognized national or state veterans’ organization and its auxiliaries, or an organization with a vested interest in the Florida National Cemetery.
The cemetery features a Memorial Pathway lined with a variety of memorials that honor America’s veterans. As of 2003, there were 47 such memorials at Florida National Cemetery, most commemorating soldiers and veterans of 20th-century conflicts.
CONTACT: Jerri Franz or Jayme O’Rourke, 850-413-2842
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