Gov. Rick Scott issued a resolution to honor veterans in the Sunshine State on Friday
Celebrated Nov. 11, Veterans Day is a national holiday to honor military veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The holiday is celebrated on this day because the major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 -- November 11.
“Florida is proud to be the most military and veteran friendly state in the nation," Scott said in a statement. "We are home to more than 1.5 million veterans and I am honored to recognize them for their service. Our military members and their families make tremendous sacrifices in order to protect our families and our freedom. While we can never thank them enough, we must take today to recognize their dedication to our country."
Scott tied the holiday into his own past in the U.S. Navy, where he served for 29 months.
"As a proud military veteran, today I am going to especially remember my dad who served during World War II," he said.
Scott and the Florida Cabinet issued the following resolution recognizing November 11, 2016 as Veterans Day.
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, for more than two centuries, individuals from all walks of life have taken up arms and sworn an oath to support and defend the principles upon which our country was founded; and
WHEREAS, throughout our history, courageous men and women have donned the uniform of our Armed Forces and built a noble tradition of faithful and dedicated service to our Nation; and
WHEREAS, Veterans Day has been set aside as both a national and state holiday to honor those American patriots who answered the call of duty, preserving our freedoms and often making the ultimate sacrifice; and
WHEREAS, we can never fully repay our debt of gratitude to those heroic men and women who served, were wounded, or even died in battle; and
WHEREAS, the unwavering commitment of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and Merchant Mariners has preserved our freedoms and saved millions around the world from tyranny; and
WHEREAS, we continue to draw inspiration from the heroism and dedication of those who currently serve and sacrifice for the cause of liberty and justice; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting that all Floridians honor America’s military veterans, including Florida’s more than 1.5 million living veterans, through whose selfless service and sacrifice we enjoy freedom and liberty.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida do hereby recognize November 11, 2016, as
VETERANS DAY
and call upon all Floridians to honor the contributions of current and former members of the United States Armed Services.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida encourage citizens to participate in local Veterans Day activities honoring the men and women who have stood watch over America.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF the Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida have hereunto subscribed their names and have caused the Official Seal of the State of Florida to be hereunto affixed in the City of Tallahassee on this 25th day of October 2016.
RICK SCOTT, GOVERNOR
PAM BONDI, ATTORNEY GENERAL
JEFF ATWATER, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
ADAM. H. PUTNAM, COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE
