Memorial group ready to begin

Members plan to meet soon to iron out details of how the county will honor World War II veterans.

By Times staff writer

© St. Petersburg Times, published January 25, 2001

The newly formed ad hoc committee for Citrus County to honor Florida's World War II veterans is gearing up for its first meeting, to be held in February.

Ann Burch, chairman of the committee, met with state Veterans Affairs Commissioner Curt Ebitz this month for a briefing about the memorial and its phases.

Plans are under way to schedule the initial meeting of the committee after the arrival of materials necessary at the kickoff to the campaign.

Citrus County is home, either full time or part time, to almost 9,000 veterans.

The World War II Memorial Trust Fund was created by the Florida Legislature last year for the purpose of creating a tribute to every Floridian who made the World War II victory possible.

The Florida World War II Memorial will be a "living memorial," using multiple venues to reach out to Florida's 67 counties. A permanent memorial is planned for Tallahassee at the Museum of Florida History.

A traveling exhibit will be featured in selected museums and other venues across the state.

A statewide network of WWII information resources is planned, including an Internet presence and public education programs to include a school curriculum for kindergarten through Grade 12.

The Citrus committee will be involved with fundraising activities to benefit the memorial and other projects.

This committee will decide the direction in which Citrus County will be a part of this venture.

Members of the Citrus County committee are: Wes Stow, vice chairman; Morris Harvey, Glen Abbott, John Crider, Amy Virgo, Jeff Dawsy, Charlie Dean, Joyce Rogers, Gene Rudd, Greg Hamilton and Gerry Mulligan.

Ebitz is the official adviser for the committee and County Commissioner Josh Wooten will serve as the liaison between the committee and the state.

For information, contact Amy Virgo at (352) 564- 9197.

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