A cacophony of country music, pride and patriotism honored Floridas armed services members Monday as part of the first day of events to herald Gov.-elect Rick Scotts entry into office.
Country music stars such as Lee Greenwood and Rockie Lynne filled the Leon County Civic Center with rousing, patriotic favorites like Star Spangled Banner, God Bless America, and Im Proud to be an American.
Although many leaders in state government were in attendance -- Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, Sen. Garret Richter, R-Naples, Attorney General-elect Pam Bondi -- the flag-waving festival was conducted for the sole purpose of honoring military service personnel.
For all of us who wear the uniform, we say thank you, said Maj. Gen. Emmitt Titshaw, who Scott is keeping on as the adjutant general and director of the Florida Department of Military Affairs.
In a speech after the concert, Scott let it be known that his administration will pay more than just lip service and photo-ops to the military.
The entire time were going to be in office, were going to make sure we do everything we can to see that the military is honored and that they get the benefits they need, Scott said.
The veterans in attendance showed they were grateful for Scotts recognition, and many said they believe he will keep his promise to support Floridas service members.
It was a good opportunity for the governor to recognize and support the military. It looks like this governor is on the right foot, said William Everett, commander of Region IV of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, an organization that supports those wounded in battle.
I think hell follow through, through the Veterans Administration. That is where we will be served. It looks like this governor is on the right foot, repeated Washington Sanchez Jr., Florida Department inspector of the MOPH.
The veterans pointed to Scotts service in the U.S. Navy and Lt. Gov.-elect Jennifer Carrolls experience in the Navy as part of the reason theyre hopeful for an improvement in the next administrations treatment of veterans. Carroll served 20 years in the Navy, attaining the rank of lieutenant commander.
Rick served in the Navy, too, but he doesnt outrank me -- until tomorrow, Carroll said.
Scott received a standing ovation upon his entrance into the arena, but the longest round of applause was reserved for Col. Bud Day, a congressional Medal of Honor winner and a POW in Vietnam.
Day was introduced by Sen. John Thrasher, R-Jacksonville, the outgoing Republican Party of Florida chairman, who lauded Scotts commitment to the military.
I know were going to have a governor who believes in a strong military and I know were going to have a governor who believes in the men and women serving in that military. I promise you that we will be there to make sure you get the things that you need, Thrasher said.
If the presence of soldiers in full uniform wasnt reminder enough, a montage of their service in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan played in-between the musical sets.
Reach Gray Rohrer at grohrer@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
