Weekly Report 🎖️
Afghanistan War Memorial Update | Major John Leroy Haynes Florida Veterans’ History Program | VFW Memorial Dedication
AFGHANISTAN WAR MEMORIAL
TLDR; The poll I sent out to the coalition voted the war in Afghanistan should have its own memorial. Memorials honoring Veterans who served in other conflicts/ time periods will be discussed at the next coalition meeting.
I spoke with the City of Tallahassee this week regarding the proposed location for the memorial and discovered that the site is actually on state property. If we decide to place the memorial on state property, it would introduce significant bureaucratic hurdles to the timeline, which, in practical terms, could result in a delay of 6+ months. (Speaking from experience.) The planned dedication for the memorial is currently scheduled for August 2026.
However, I do not believe in barriers, so we will press on. I asked the city what they need from me to make this memorial a reality.
Here is what they told me:
The city requires approval from both the Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) and the Gold Star Families in Tallahassee.
What does that entail?
I will draft a letter that includes designated spaces for the signatures of representatives from the Veterans Service Organizations and each Gold Star Family.
Funding Plan:
If the memorial receives approval from the VSOs and Gold Star Families, we can begin creating a detailed budget for the project. Once the budget is finalized, it will be submitted along with the plans to the city and state for approval.
If the letter gathers the necessary signatures, I will issue a press release to solicit public input on the memorial design during a 30-day comment period. Once the 30-day period concludes, the War Memorial Commission will review and vote on the proposed designs. The results of that vote will then be presented to the Veterans Service Organizations and Gold Star Families for final approval.
What does my vision look like for the memorial?
Imagine two 15-foot stainless steel towers, standing tall and solemn, engraved with the names of every servicemember who gave their lives during the war in Afghanistan. These towers serve as a poignant reminder of the reason why we waged this 20-year conflict.
In front of the towers, there are seven life-sized bronze statues representing the servicemembers from Tallahassee who lost their lives in Afghanistan. These troops are depicted marching away from the towers, symbolizing the reason why we went to war for 20 years.
The towers, illuminated from within at night, cause the engraved names to glow softly, casting a solemn and reverent light. Additionally, ground lighting beneath the marching soldiers enhances their presence, creating a powerful and moving scene that honors their memory and the legacy of their service.
More information will be shared at our January 8th meeting.
If you served in Afghanistan, please consider joining the war memorial commission. Email me at hq@commanderscoalition d0t org
Major John Leroy Haynes Florida Veterans’ History Program
My name is Julian, and I work for the Florida Department of State on the new Major John Leroy Haynes Florida Veterans’ History Program.
The website for the project, which was launched just a few days ago, can be found here.
https://dos.fl.gov/cultural/programs/florida-folklife-program/florida-veterans-history-program/
The Florida Veterans’ History Program is dedicated to collecting and preserving the stories and experiences of Florida's veterans and the State of Florida's military contributions throughout the nation's history.
As an enlisted service member in the Army National Guard I am both excited and honored to be a part of this project.
I would love the opportunity to coordinate interviews with Veterans from the various Veteran Service Organizations.
I would also welcome and appreciate written testimonials, memorabilia, photographs, or any other materials from veterans or their families to include in the project.
Please feel free to contact me and to make my contact information available to anyone you think might be interested in participating!
Email: Julian.duncan@dos.fl.gov
Phone: 8502456462
Thank you,
Julian
Julian Duncan| Veterans' History Program Manager
Florida Department of State | Division of Arts & Culture
dos.myflorida.com/cultural | 850.245.6462
VFW POST 3308
Congratulations VFW Florida District 2 on the dedication of your memorial. I’m proud to be a member of such an outstanding organization.
Do you know of any quartet or small choral type groups?
A member of the Coalition’s spouse recently passed away, and she has asked me to help find a quartet or small choral group to sing at her husband’s funeral. She prefers male singers but is open to other options. She has selected two songs: one to be sung at the funeral home and the other at the National Cemetery. The celebration of life will take place on Friday, January 10, beginning at 10:00 AM at Bevis Funeral Home, located at 200 John Knox Road, Tallahassee. This will be followed by a military honor service at the National Cemetery on Apalachee Parkway, starting at noon. She is currently preparing the obituary and announcement.
If you know of any group, please let me know and I will forward it to her.