Secretary of State Ken Detzner Announces Launch of Victory Florida Campaign Commemorating 70 Year Anniversary of the End of WWII

TALLAHASSEE –

Today, Secretary of State Ken Detzner announced the launch of Victory Florida, a campaign recognizing 70 years since the ending of World War II. At a press event held in the Florida Capitol, Secretary Detzner honored the role of Florida and its veterans during the war and encouraged partnering communities to plan Victory Florida activities across the state as part of this campaign.

"World War II was a game changer for Florida," said Secretary Detzner. "By contributing significant resources to the battlefield and home front efforts, Florida's role securing victory in WWII set the course for the next 70 years of Florida's development. Through this campaign, I am proud to honor the men and women of Florida who protected our freedom and recognize the sacrifices they and their families made for our country."

On May 8, 1945, WWII ended in Europe following the continued advancement of United States troops into Germany. As part of today's press conference, which commemorated the ending of WWII in Europe, or "VE-Day," WWII veterans that participated in a recent Honor Flight Tallahassee mission were recognized for their heroism and sacrifices for our country. The Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, VISIT FLORIDA, Florida State Parks and Honor Flight Tallahassee also participated in today's event.

The launch in Tallahassee marked the final event in a series that began on Saturday, May 9 with events at Port Everglades scheduled as part of Broward Navy Days. At the May 9 event, which was held aboard the U.S.S. Wasp, the French Consulate General presented The Knight in the National Order of the Legion of Honor medals to 14 Florida veterans who fought to liberate France in 1944-1945. The Consulate General of France in Miami is a Victory Florida strategic partner. The Knight in the National Order of the Legion of Honor is the highest decoration bestowed by the Government of France.

In addition to the anniversary of VE-Day, other upcoming significant dates to commemorate and honor Florida's veterans during the campaign include those scheduled to take place as part of Victory Week from August 8- 15, 2015, which coincides with the anniversary of the global ending of WWII on August 15, 1945. For more information on Victory Florida, visit VivaFlorida.org/Victory.


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About Victory Florida:
August 15, 2015, marks the 70 year anniversary of V-Day, or Victory Day, which marked the end of World War II in 1945. The Florida Department of State is drawing attention to this important anniversary during 2015 with the campaign Victory Florida, which honors and celebrates the heroes and heroines of World War II while educating Floridians about the important role our state played on the battlefield and on the home front.

There are many statewide organizational partners including museums, historical sites and memorials who are promoting the campaign. These statewide partners are planning events year round to honor WWII veterans and tell the story of Florida during WWII. To find out more about Victory Florida, or to view Victory Florida events visit VivaFlorida.org/Victory

About Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs:
Florida has earned a reputation as the most veteran friendly state in the nation. Watching over and advocating for our state's more than 1.5 million veterans are the more than 1,100 men and women of the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs. Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs is the premier point of entry for Florida veterans to access earned services, benefits and support. The Department plays a critical role in advocating for former and retired service members of all ages. For more information visit FloridaVets.org.