News

The Eternal Flame is burning once again at Fort Walton Beach City Hall

On Tuesday, August 23, 2022, a large group gathered at City Hall in Fort Walton Beach to witness the relighting of the Eternal Flame monument. The monument was originally erected in […]

Jared Williams

On Tuesday, August 23, 2022, a large group gathered at City Hall in Fort Walton Beach to witness the relighting of the Eternal Flame monument.

The monument was originally erected in Fort Walton Beach on November 11, 1973. It is dedicated to the veterans of all wars of the United States and was donated by the Rogers-Hinson American Legion Auxiliary Unit 235.

The flame has been out for a number of years.

The new Eternal Flame at City Hall in Fort Walton Beach

City Manager Michael Beedie introduced Rep. Patt Maney, who was instrumental in getting this eternal flame fixed.

“When I moved to Okaloosa county, this flame was burning and I was so impressed that this community honored its veterans and honored the deceased veterans by having an eternal flame,” said Rep. Maney. “I noticed a bit ago that the flame had gone out and it troubled me, and I wanted to see about how to get it re-lit.”

Representative Maney originally made his request during a meeting at The Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce. Okaloosa Gas District’s Gordon King was in attendance at this meeting and immediately offered to help.

(left) Rep. Patt Maney and Okaloosa Gas District CEO Gordon King (right)

“The FWB Chamber is an organization that gets things done and so we volunteered as our organization to make it happen,” said King. “We’re happy to have it back in an operating order today to honor those veterans past, present and future.”

King went on to thank his staff at Okaloosa Gas for making it all come to life. From the fabrication shop, to the welders, to their technicians, this was a project they undertook and got completed.

Not only did Okaloosa Gas fix and relight the eternal flame in Fort Walton Beach, but they also fixed the one in Crestview too.

“This is so important to me and to those who come behind us, to show that we have not forgotten,” added Maney. “And so a huge thank you to Okaloosa Gas.”

Okaloosa Gas crew who worked to get the eternal flame relit in Fort Walton Beach

“This is a momentous day because it’s a day we can honor our veterans,” added Fort Walton Beach Mayor Dick Rynearson. “All the veterans that went before us, who gave up their lives, and all of our living veterans as well. This flame is for each and every one of you.”

PROMOTION

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

Athlete of the Week

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Fort Walton Beach’s Cannon Wilbur is building his own Viking legacy — one chapter at a time

Politics

Unofficial results released for five FWB charter questions that were blocked on election night

Parks+Rec

FWB City Council approves $3.1M for Liza Jackson Park upland improvements

Athlete of the Week

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: For Cambell Toolan, being a Lady Bulldog has always been the plan — one pitch at a time

H. G. commented on City of Destin releases countywide telephone survey results on Holiday Isle state park

“Use part of the $5million to remove the docks that are in an already overcrowded harbor.”

Respond

Anna Perle commented on Fort Walton Beach seeking artists to paint patriotic fire hydrants for nation’s 250th birthday

“Fire hydrants are color coded for the rate of water flow measured in gallons per minute (GPM). Seems like painting the hydrants in artistic color designs would mess up this...”

Brandi commented on City of Destin releases countywide telephone survey results on Holiday Isle state park

“Isn't that going to make that area of waterway too crowded during tourist season ? As is already is!”

Michael L. Cobb commented on WordroW: April 1, 2026

“1 min 36 sec”

Kevin Greybill commented on City of Destin releases countywide telephone survey results on Holiday Isle state park

“Who authorized the building of the docks?”

Trav commented on Fort Walton Beach parents charged with child neglect and abuse after 2-year-old left alone in feces-covered room

“Hopefully never!”

“Hopefully they didn't get their child back. They're lucky the Kiddo survived.”

W Taylor commented on City of Destin releases countywide telephone survey results on Holiday Isle state park

“The county needs to walk away gracefully and let Destin handle it.”

Andy Kennell commented on Jim Bagby qualifies for Walton County Commission ballot through petition process

“Jim Bagby, take the pledge to always support & fight for the citizens & tourists proven historic right to free and unobstructed access to and use of the beaches in...”

Michael L. Cobb commented on WordroW: March 30, 2026

“1 min 23 sec”