Okaloosa County BOCC — April 27, 2013 — VETS Tower Proclamation — reading text

PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, Okaloosa County and the Emerald Coast is home to one of the larg- est military communities in the Unites States of America and for many years this area has proven vital for our national defense, and WHEREAS, the outstanding record and historical achievements of the many military veterans who served and trained in the local military installations has brought great credit upon themselves and the proud residents of the entire Emerald Coast, and WHEREAS, Okaloosa County is the home of two Medal of Honor and Purple Heart re- cipients, and is home to more than 900 active and retired military members living in our communi- ties who have been awarded the Purple Heart, and WHEREAS, Okaloosa County recognizes the commitment and increasing sacrifices of military families, especially our Gold Star and Blue Star families, are making and has pledged through its Military Community Covenant to support those who serve and through which we build strong communities, and WHEREAS, a Memorial Tribute Tower recognizing all veterans, past, present, and future is a small token of heartfelt appreciation from a grateful Emerald Coast and Okaloosa County Community, and WHEREAS, the Veterans Memorial Tribute Tower will yield the respect we all feel for our area veterans. This Tower will be a gathering place for national holidays, a garden of reflec- tion, and a place of honor to all those who have served, and WHEREASa Memorial Tribute Tower recognizing all veterans, past, present and future will be a visible reminder of the value and sacrifices of military service and a site for memorial events and celebrations. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of Okaloosa County, Florida, that we do hereby proclaim support for the: VETERANS TRIBUTE TOWER OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA DULY PASSED AND ADOPTED this 19th day of March 2013. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OKALOOSA COUNTY, FLORIDA ATTEST: _________________________________ DON R. AMUNDS CHAIRMAN ___________________________ DON W. HOWARD CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT