Secretary Detzner Announces “Celebrate Victory” Event

Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner is pleased to announce that on Saturday, August 15, the Museum of Florida History will hold a “Celebrate Victory” event commemorating the ending of World War II. The event will offer a unique opportunity for visitors to interact with veterans and civilians from America’s “Greatest Generation” as they share stories of their wartime experiences and celebrate Florida’s role in the war.  

“The Museum of Florida History and the Florida Department of State are proud to salute the many Floridians who served during World War II,” said Secretary Detzner. “This event provides the public an opportunity to learn about their experiences first hand.”

Florida deployed approximately 248,000 soldiers during World War II and more than 300,000 civilians volunteered in defense activities. Saturday’s event will include a wreath laying ceremony to honor soldiers that fought in the war.

“Celebrate Victory” Event Program Details

1:00 PM         In the R. A. Gray Building lobby, visitors can explore activity stations to learn about victory gardens, recycling, rationing, and other efforts individuals, including children, across the Florida made to support the war. Other activity stations will explore actions soldiers performed during the war including communication through code, signaling, and airplane spotting.  

2:30 PM         WWII veterans and civilians will share their stories and tell of their experiences in the war at the Heritage Theater.

4:00 PM         Wreath laying ceremony at the World War II Memorial to honor soldiers that fought in the war.

The Museum’s event is one of many activities planned across the state to commemorate Victory Florida Week (August 8-16) which wasrecently passed by resolution by Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet. The Victory Florida campaign is being led by the Florida Department of State in close partnership with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, who together accepted the resolution. To view the Victory Florida Week resolution, click HERE.

Members of the public looking for more information call 850.245.6400 or visit museumoffloridahistory.com.

Press inquiries should be directed to the Department of State’s communications office at 850.245.6522.

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About the Museum of Florida History The Museum of Florida History is part of the Florida Department of State’s Division of Cultural Affairs and is located in the R. A. Gray Building at 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, Florida. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sunday and holidays, noon to 4:30 p.m. Free parking is available in the garage next to the R. A. Gray Building.

NOTE: The Museum of Florida History remains closed until fall 2015 due to ongoing renovations on the plaza level of the R. A. Gray Building. For more information please visit dos.myflorida.com.