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WHITE SPRINGS – Gulf War veteran and Florida Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP) Secretary Michael W. Sole today joined Rolling Thunder, Inc.,
and the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs at Stephen Foster Folk Culture
Center State Park to salute American war veterans, prisoners of war and soldiers
missing in action with a ceremonial raising of the POW-MIA flag. The morning
ceremony began the second day of the park’s annual three-day Florida Folk
Festival, one of the most revered state folk festivals in America.
“It is a privilege for DEP’s state parks to honor the American soldiers who
have courageously dedicated and sacrificed their lives to serve and protect our
country,” said DEP Secretary Michael W. Sole. “Raising these flags reminds our
residents and visitors to appreciate and respect the many freedoms and
privileges we enjoy, such as Florida’s state parks and the recreational
opportunities and festivals they provide.”
An advocacy group for the POW-MIA flag, Rolling Thunder, Inc., provided DEP’s
Division of Recreation and Parks with POW-MIA flags for display at state parks
throughout Florida. Representatives from the American Legion, Veterans of
Foreign Wars and the local Veteran’s Affairs Hospital participated in the
ceremony. Songs played by the United States Navy Band Southeast from
Jacksonville followed the flag-raising, commencing the Florida Folk Festival’s
Saturday musical line-up.
“From this moment on, millions of state park visitors will see that the state
of Florida remembers and recognizes those men and women that have been held as
prisoners of war,” said Rolling Thunder, Inc. state representative Ray Thompson.
“They will also recognize that we have not now, nor will ever forget those brave
men and women that have answered their country’s calling.”
The Florida Folk Festival was moved to Veterans’ Day weekend from Memorial
Day weekend this year due to wildfires in the area. Today’s ceremony begins the
daily raising of the POW-MIA flag at state parks. In addition to the national
and state flag, the POW-MIA flag will be flown from opening to sunset.
“I salute Rolling Thunder and the Florida Department of Environmental
Protection for taking this step to honor our veterans,” said Florida Department
of Veterans’ Affairs Communications Director Steve Murray. “With POW/MIA flags
now flying in our state parks, interstate highway rest stops and over the State
Capitol, Florida is at the forefront of honoring our POWs and MIAs.”
The Florida Folk Festival has remained one of the Sunshine State’s largest
and most popular heritage events because of the wide variety of entertainment
and activities available at the three- day festival. Historically, performers
have included national recording artists, award winning song-writers, and
musicians from the areas of swing, folk, blues, gospel, country, Latin, jazz,
bluegrass, Caribbean and Zydeco.
Located on the banks of the Suwannee River, the Stephen Foster Folk Culture
Center State Park honors the memory of American composer Stephen Foster. The
museum features exhibits about Foster's most famous songs, as well as a 97-bell
carillon tower playing concerts several times daily.
The first two-time Gold Medal winner honoring the nation’s best state park
service, Florida’s state park system is one of the largest in the country with
161 parks spanning more than 700,000 acres and 100 miles of sandy white beach.
From swimming and diving in Florida’s rivers and springs to birding and fishing
or hiking and riding on natural scenic trails, Florida’s state parks offer
year-around outdoor activities for all ages. Battle reenactments and Native
American festivals celebrate Florida’s unique history, while art shows, museums
and lighthouses offer a window into Florida’s cultural heritage.
For more information about Florida’s award-winning state parks, visit
www.FloridaStateParks.org.
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