Bronze statues and powerful stories anchor Okaloosa’s growing tribute to female service members

Okaloosa County, Florida – A special event will be held in Okaloosa County on June 12 to honor women who have served in the military. The third annual Women Veterans Day event will start at 8 a.m. at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center. Veterans, community officials, and residents will all come together to honor the historic accomplishments of women in the military.

This year’s event is especially important because the organizers plan to reveal two new bronze statues that will be put up in Veterans Park later. The monuments honor two amazing women: U.S. Army Capt. Linda Bray and Florence Ebersole Smith Finch, a hero of World War II.

Col. Kristen Wood, who is in charge of the 1st Special Operations Mission Support Group at Hurlburt Field, will give the keynote speech. She will talk about how important women have been in U.S. military history. After the event at the conference center, a wreath will be placed at the Women Veterans Monuments at Veterans Park. This is a tradition that underscores the community’s respect and gratitude.

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The new monuments are more than just art; they tell stories of bravery and overcoming obstacles. Capt. Linda Bray’s career is amazing. She was the first woman to lead U.S. troops in battle during the 1989 Panama invasion, even though women weren’t allowed to fight directly at the time. She recently received the Bronze Star, which is given for acts of bravery.

Florence Ebersole Smith Finch, another pioneering figure, put her life on the line to help the Philippine resistance during World War II by smuggling supplies to prisoners of war. Japanese soldiers captured and tortured her, but she survived and later joined the U.S. Coast Guard. Finch was given the Medal of Freedom for her valor.

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Along with eight other memorials along the quarter-mile walk in Veterans Park, the sculptures of Bray and Finch will add to a growing homage to women who have served in the military since the Revolutionary War. County officials say the yearly event is more than just a way to remember people. It’s a way to celebrate accomplishments and motivate future generations.

“This event has become a beloved tradition for everyone in our community to recognize and appreciate the women who have served in our military since the Revolutionary War,” said Okaloosa County Commission Vice Chairman Carolyn Ketchel in a news release.

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Women Veterans Day is held each year on the anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, which President Harry Truman signed in 1948 to allow women permanent roles in the military. Florida began officially observing the day in 2021, and each year, Okaloosa County’s commemoration grows in meaning and impact.