Scott’s Inaugural Eve Event Salutes Military

January 3, 2011

Governor-elect Rick Scott’s inaugural eve events turned country at an afternoon military appreciation event Monday a few blocks from the state Capitol.

The anthems of the nation’s military branches were sung by Fort Pierce’s Avenue D Boys Choir to open the show, which also featured performances by John Michael Montgomery, Rockie Lynne, Pensacola’s Aaron Tippin – performing the Gulf War era hit, ‘You’ve Got to Stand for Something’ – and, of course, Lee Greenwood, who capped the event with – what else – a rendition of “Proud to Be American,” with Scott and incoming Lieutenant Gov. Jennifer Carrroll standing by him.

About 1,000 people attended, including many service members and their families, along with many military retirees. Also in the crowd was retired Col. Bud Day, the former Air Force officer and Vietnam POW who frequently steps into Florida politics.

Scott’s inaugural committee has raised $3.5 million for the events surrounding his swearing-in. A portion of the contributions – so far just over $100,000 – has gone to the “wounded warriors” program which helps injured veterans and their families.

State Sen. John Thrasher, R-St. Augustine, who doubles as the Florida Republican Party chairman and was awarded the Bronze Star, said the military could expect Scott, who served in the Navy, to stand by them.

“I know we’re going to have a governor who believes in a strong military, and in the men and women who serve in the military,” Thrasher said.

Carroll, who like Scott served in the Navy, retiring as a lieutenant commander, said “she outranks him. Until tomorrow.”

Scott said he thought it was important to include the military on an inaugural eve.

“We honor and respect the tradition of our great country,” Scott told the crowd.

Comments

4 Responses to “Scott’s Inaugural Eve Event Salutes Military”

  1. William on January 4th, 2011 9:41 am

    >>What bothers me is that people are always saying “winner.” Military medals are not won but are awarded for one’s actions.

    I agree. I should have caught that when I edited the story the first time. (The story was written by a news service in Tallahassee.) I’ve changed it in the story.

  2. Oversight on January 4th, 2011 9:38 am

    William, That’s how I remember the Bronze Star. What bothers me is that people are always saying “winner.” Military medals are not won but are awarded for one’s actions.

  3. William on January 3rd, 2011 9:41 pm

    about the Bronze Star comment below:

    “The Bronze Star Medal (or BSM) is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. When awarded for bravery, it is the fourth-highest combat award of the U.S. Armed Forces and the ninth highest military award”

  4. Oversight on January 3rd, 2011 9:22 pm

    “State Sen. John Thrasher, R-St. Augustine, who… is a Bronze Star winner…”

    Was there a contest for the medal like in an Olympic event where a medal is won or was it awarded for a heroic act which would make him a recipient?

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News