The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation recently celebrated Florida Marines as part of the organization’s Marines Across America program, leading up to the Marine Corps’ official 250th Anniversary on Monday, Nov. 10. In addition to spotlighting notable Marines, the foundation has partnered with each of the 50 states to host a cake-cutting ceremony in November to mark the occasion.
The Marines Across America program highlights Marines who embody the values of honor, courage and commitment within their communities and showcases the contributions Marines make in their local communities or nationally following their active-duty service.
Florida's Marines include a NASA astronaut, the host of NPR’s “Wait Wait ... Don't Tell Me,” and three mayors (Sweetwater, Palm Beach, and Palm Shores).
“Marines have always made their mark on the battlefield, but it’s important to remember they’ve also made their mark in their hometowns and communities,” said retired Marine Major General James Lukeman, president and CEO of the foundation. “As we celebrate 250 years of the Marine Corps, we honor the significant contributions that Florida Marines have made to our nation.”
Korey Shaffer of St. Augustine, founder of Til Valhalla Project, which surprise-delivers memorial plaques to the families of fallen heroes, was among those celebrated.
“The list of notable Marines from Florida is impressive and showcases how they used the values and skills they learned in the Marine Corps to become leaders in their communities,” said Lukeman. “Today marks a special opportunity to recognize these extraordinary men and women for their service to our nation as well as their communities.”
Members of the public are encouraged to join the anniversary celebration and Marines Across America by sharing stories of Marines they know, both active and retired, who make a difference in their communities and their professional lives.
Submissions may be made through the Marine250.com website.
