Veterans Park on Okaloosa Island was officially unveiled on Thursday, and features 8 bronze statues honoring women who have served in the United States military.
It was a packed house at the Convention Center as an estimated 500 guests arrived to take part in the event, including 5 rows of special guests and local dignitaries.
The event was led by Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel, who spearheaded this project and helped make it a reality.
Speakers included:
- Kay Yarbrough, Daughters of the American Revolution
- General Scott Cain, 96th Test Wing Commander, Eglin Air Force Base
- Colonel Allision Black, 24th SOW Vice Commander, Hurlburt Field
Following the indoor event, the crowd made their way to the 17.5-acre park situated on the Choctawhatchee Bay just behind the Convention Center.
- The park is home to native wildlife and vegetation and features a self-guided walking tour to view all of the statues.
A ribbon cutting was held that featured a host of locals involved with making the project come to life, followed by a fly-over from Eglin.
The women honorees include:
- Margaret Corbin – Revolutionary War, Army
- Cathay Williams – Civil War, Army
- Lenah Higbee – World War I, Navy
- Jacqueline Cochran – World War II, Air Force Reserves
- Jonita Ruth Bonham – Bovée, Korean War, Army Air Corps / Air Force
- Sharon Ann Lane – Vietnam War, US Army Nurse Corps Reserve
- Leigh Ann Hester – Persian Gulf War, Army National Guard
- Naseema – War in Afghanistan, US Air Force