TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame Council is currently accepting nominations for the fifth annual class of inductees into the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame. The nomination period is open until May 31, 2017. Anyone is permitted to nominate a military veteran.
The Florida Legislature established the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame to honor and recognize veterans, both living and deceased, for their post-military service to the state.
Those nominating a veteran will need to complete a nomination packet that can be downloaded from www.FloridaVeteransHallofFame.org. Nominations are based on established criteria including recognizing veterans who, through their works and lives during or after military service, have made a significant contribution to the State of Florida through civic, business, public service or other pursuits. It is not a traditional military hall of fame, as it focuses on post-military contributions to the Sunshine State.
Up to 20 individuals may be selected for induction into the hall each year.
“We are privileged to recognize and honor veterans for their leadership and civic contributions to the Sunshine State,” said retired Army National Guard Sgt. Major Ray A. Quinn, who serves as council chairman. “With so many worthy veterans, we hope to receive many nominees from the public for consideration in the Class of 2017.”
Names honoring selected inductees are memorialized through the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame Wall on the Plaza Level of the Florida Capitol. Since 2013, thirty Florida veterans have been inducted into the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame.
The Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame Council, an appointed seven-member advisory panel, is responsible for accepting nominations to be considered for induction into the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame. In selecting its nominees, the council gives preference to veterans who were either born in Florida or adopted Florida as their home state. Each year, the council transmits its recommended list of nominees to the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, which submits the nominations to the Governor and Cabinet, who will select the nominees to be inducted.
“We’re here to recognize our heroes from all branches of service for their courage and fearlessness that they have given to our country, community and families, said Glenn Sutphin, executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. “Let us be proud of their sacrifice in defending our country and selflessness in serving our state.”
Click below for the nomination form.