In Midst Of Pandemic, County Salutes Veterans With Online Tribute

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Between the necessity of canceling public Veterans Day events due to the coronavirus pandemic and the arrival of Tropical Storm Eta on Veterans Day, Tampa Bay veterans may have felt they were given short shrift on Veterans Day this year.

But, with the help of a video tribute, the Hillsborough County Consumer & Veterans Services and the Veterans Council of Hillsborough County is making sure that veterans are given the recognition they deserve.

The county traditionally celebrates Veterans Day with an elaborate ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park and Rear Admiral LeRoy Collins, Jr. Veterans Museum, 3602 U.S. 301 along the Tampa Bypass Canal.

But cancellation of the traditional ceremony, the county observed its 56th annual Veterans Day Tribute with stories and video interviews featuring Hillsborough County veterans of World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Iraq War as well as an online awards presentation.

Among those honored this year were:

2020 Edwin Porterfield Award winners:

• Mike Merrill, retired Hillsborough County administrator
• Toni Gross, American Gold Star Mothers of Tampa Bay

2020 Keeping the American Patriotic Spirit Alive Award winners:

• Mel Meyers, AMVETS Post 44
• Judge Gregory Holder, 13th Judicial Circuit
• Judge Daryl Manning, 13th Judicial Circuit
• Judge Michael Scionte, 13th Judicial Circuit
• Judge Richard Weis, 13th Judicial Circuit
• William “Bill” Hand, Hillsborough County
• Chris Postiglione, Hillsborough County

Additionally, for the fourth year in a row, the national Veterans Day Committee of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs named Veterans Memorial Park & Rear Admiral LeRoy Collins Jr. Veterans Museum in Tampa as an official Regional Veterans Day Site. The distinction recognizes Hillsborough County as a model for other communities in showcasing patriotism and honor to the nation’s military.

Residents can "walk the park" virtually with aerial videos of the memorials that range from the Seminole Wars through the War in Afghanistan. Displays at the park are intended to inspire reflection on the sacrifices of men and women who served the United States in times of conflict, and of their families and friends at home.

Residents also can leave an online tribute to a veteran in their life through the VA's Veterans Legacy Memorial.