World War II 70th Anniversary Commemorative Event Held At Florida National Cemetary
By Department of Veterans Affairs // August 17, 2015
BUSHNELL, FLORIDA – The staff of Florida National Cemetery and volunteers hosted a wreath laying ceremony as part of the World War II 70th Anniversary Commemorative Weekend in coordination with the “Keep the Spirit of ’45 Alive” organization.
The Director of Florida National Cemetery, Mr. Kurt Rotar emceed the brief ceremony that recognized the achievements of the men and women who endured the Great Depression, fought and won World War II and laid the foundation for a better world.
After opening remarks by Mr. Rotar, Feliciano Ramirez gave the invocation. Mr. Rotar recognized Mr. Hal Packard, a World War II, Technical Sergeant of the US Army who served as a combat medic for the 10th Army.
Stephen Morris, a representative of the “Keep the Spirit of ’45 Alive” organization offered comments and along with Mr. George Wanberg, a Vietnam Veteran and a member of the Florida National Cemetery Joint Veterans Committee presented the wreath.
Mr. Jack Dougherty a bugler with the Bugles Across America played Taps and Mr. Ramirez performed the benediction.
Over 16 million Americans fought in World War II. We are losing them at a rate of approximately 490 every day. As General Dwight Eisenhower once said “To those who gave their lives, and to those who bear the wounds of battle, we, their comrades in arms, render a most grateful and humble tribute.”
VA operates 131 national cemeteries, one national Veterans burial ground and 33 soldiers’ lots and monument sites in 40 states and Puerto Rico. More than 4 million Americans, including Veterans of every war and conflict, are buried in VA’s national cemeteries.
VA also provides funding to establish, expand, improve, and maintain 95 Veterans cemeteries in 45 states and territories including tribal trust lands, Guam, and Saipan.
For Veterans not buried in a VA national cemetery, VA provides headstones, markers or medallions to commemorate their service.
In 2014, VA honored more than 356,000 Veterans and their loved ones with memorial benefits in national, state, tribal and private cemeteries.
