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Okaloosa County BOCC — May 4, 2013 — Doolittle Raiders proclamation — reading text
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PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, The Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners are pleased to commend the
Doolittle Raiders on their reunion for the Seventy-first Anniversary of the Doolittle Raid, cele-
brated with festivities in Okaloosa County, on April 17-20, 2013; and
WHEREAS, On April 18, 1942, sixteen U.S. Army Air Force B-25 bombers, led by
Lieutenant Colonel James H. Doolittle, launched from the aircraft carrier USS Hornet and success-
fully attacked Tokyo and four other cities on the Japanese mainland, but due to the extreme range
of the mission and lack of fuel, all of the aircraft were forced to crash land in China and Russia,
resulting in the capture of eight airmen, four of whom did not make it home. The Seventy-first An-
niversary of this unprecedented mission will be celebrated with festivities in Okaloosa County; and
WHEREAS, The team that participated in this heroic raid trained in B-25 Mitchell bomb-
ers at Eglin Air Force Base and Duke Field in Okaloosa County; and
WHEREAS, Okaloosa County officially renamed Highway 285 in Okaloosa and Walton
County “Doolittle Raiders Highway” on January 5, 2011, to significantly showcase our history and
recognize these extraordinary men of our community and our nation.
WHEREAS, Recognition of this memorable event is a fitting tribute to the members of
the Doolittle Raiders. The unit's accomplishments are a justifiable source of pride and an excellent
reflection on its former officers and crew and on the U.S. Air Force; and
WHEREAS, The heroic traditions of our armed forces are an important part of our na-
tion's heritage, and all those who served with the Doolittle Raiders earned the respect and admira-
tion of their comrades and provided a valuable service to our country and established a record of
achievement that stands as a hallmark worthy of emulation;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of Okaloosa
County, Florida, that we do hereby proclaim April 17th through April 20th of 2013 as
DOOLITTLE RAIDER DAYS IN OKALOOSA COUNTY
DULY PASSED AND ADOPTED this 2nd day of April, 2013.
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OKALOOSA COUNTY, FLORIDA
ATTEST: _________________________________
DON R. AMUNDS
CHAIRMAN
___________________________
DON W. HOWARD