Celebrate Women’s Veterans Day at Veterans Park
By Carolyn Newcomer Ketchel, Okaloosa County Commissioner, District 2
You are invited to a celebration of Women’s Veterans Day on June 12th at 8 a.m. We will gather at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center for a ceremony honoring our women who have served in the United States Military. Retired Col. Allison Black, USAF (Hurlburt) will be our keynote speaker this year. The ceremony will include a presentation of the Medal of Honor by the Choctawhatchee Bay DAR to be announced at the event. We will then gather at the base of the Margaret Corbin statue at Women Veterans Monuments at Veterans’ Park for a wreath-laying ceremony.
The beautiful 20 ½-acre park features eight life size statutes of women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces from the Revolutionary War to current theatres. These statues have been purchased using the Tourism Development Tax known as the “Bed Tax.” This is a one of kind park in the U.S. with the beauty of the land and the history of women who served our great nation. We expect and hope for an additional eight statues to complete the park.
This park is for patriots and conservationists and reflects people’s values on our Emerald Coast. Learn of the heroic deeds of our women veterans as you enjoy a beautiful walk in nature.
Hurlburt Field Reopens Memorial Air Park to the Public
For the first time in more than 20 years, Hurlburt Field has opened its air park to the general public, allowing visitors to come face-to-face with the aircraft and history of Air Force Special Operations Command.
The Hurlburt Field Memorial Air Park stands as a living testament to the dedication, sacrifice and valor of the men and women who have called Hurlburt Field their home. As visitors wander among the stoic aircraft, they are reminded of the enduring spirit of aviation and the profound impact it has had on AFSOC as a whole. Informational plaques provide insights into the technological advancements and historic achievements of each aircraft, fostering an appreciation for the contributions of military aviation.
The air park serves as a destination for veterans, aviation enthusiasts and families seeking to honor the legacies of those that came before. Visit: Hurlburt Field > Air Park (af.mil).
