Tallahassee Commemorates Floridians’ Sacrifices this Memorial Day Weekend
Friday, May 18 at 11:46 AM
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - May 18, 2012 - In honor of Memorial Day, Visit Tallahassee encourages residents and guests to visit the Capital City’s numerous monuments and museums dedicated to remembering the men and women who gave their lives while serving in our country’s Armed Forces. The Tallahassee area provides a wealth of resources that help all generations understand the struggles and sacrifices Floridians made in preserving the nation’s freedom and liberty.
At the Museum of Florida History, located in downtown Tallahassee, visitors experience Florida Remembers World War II, documenting the state’s response to war, including patriotic activities on the home front and the establishment of military training bases throughout the state. Guests can also view Ships, Sailors and Shipwrecks of Civil War Florida at the museum, now through August 2012. In commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War, the exhibit explores Florida’s often under-represented maritime and naval history during the Civil War.
The Leon County World War II Memorial, in front of the Leon County Courthouse, features a life-size bronze sculpture depicting a World War II veteran paying tribute to his fallen comrades. Personalized bricks are incorporated as part of the memorial.
The Florida Medal of Honor Wall located at the Florida State Capitol Building honors Floridians who demonstrated bravery and gallantry during wartime, earning them the rare and prestigious award. Across from the Capitol, the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial stands as a tribute to more than 2,000 soldiers killed or missing in action during the war. The monument is composed of two granite columns engraved with the names of deceased and missing in action soldiers.
A short walk to the corner of Gaines Street and Suwannee Street, visitors find Florida’s Korean War Veterans’ Memorial. The large circular statue represents the circle of life, with the names of those killed in action etched on a broken fragment that once completed the circle - a symbol of shattered purity and lives lost.
As the holiday weekend kicks off the summer season, the area is also home to a variety of attractions- from zipping through the air at the new Tree to Tree Adventure Course at the Tallahassee Museum to kayaking along the Wakulla River where spotting manatees is a daily occurrence. For more information on Memorial Day events in Florida’s Capital City, visit www.VisitTallahassee.com or call toll free at (800) 628-2866. See Book Direct’s link on Visit Tallahassee’s homepage for deals and rates at area accommodations.
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About Visit Tallahassee
Visit Tallahassee is the official tourism marketing organization for Tallahassee and Leon County Florida, operating as a division of Leon County Government. Visit Tallahassee promotes tourism to the area through direct sales, advertising, public relations, sports, film, product development and visitor services. For more information, visit www.VisitTallahassee.com.
