The Spanish-American War Memorial Park located at 4752 W. Prescott St. at the intersection of S. Westshore Blvd. and Interbay Blvd. in Tampa, FL was one of the first locations in Tampa to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Pam Mortenson, a member of the Daughters of '98, Auxiliary of the United Spanish War Veterans, and her husband, "the Colonel" Tom Mortenson, an assoeciate member of the Sons of Spanish American War Veterans, spearheaded efforts to place 250 held-hand American Flags at the historic site that honors Tampa's vital role as the primary point of embarkation for U.S. troops, including the Rough Riders bound for Cuba in 1898.
Citizens from the area joined the Mortenson's in placing the flags and honoring those that served in the war to secure liberty in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines from Spain.
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Upon placing all 250 American Flags, Pam told the group that today they were not only honoring the volunteers of 1898, but all those that fight to defend our freedoms.
The flag planting took place on Flag Day.
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"While the Fourth of July is celebrated with parades, fireworks and flags, Flag Day also a perfect moment to reflect on the values that sparked the American Revolution: liberty, self-governance, and civic responsibility" Tom Mortenson added at the conclusion of flag planting.
The park features a gazebo, historical markers, and a playground, offering a space for reflection and education. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The park has a long-time relationship with the Tampa Rough Riders.
