Despite Rain, County Honors Victims and Heroes of 9/11 with Service Day
Volunteers Beautify and Repair Veteran’s Home in Woodville Community
Today, Leon County Government held its annual 9/11 Day of Remembrance and Service at the Woodville home of U.S. Army veteran Louverne Thomas. More than 100 County employees, community partners, and citizen volunteers united in service to complete various rehabilitation and beautification projects at the home. The County’s annual tradition honors the sacrifice of the individuals and families who rose in service following the tragic events on September 11, 2001.
“Leon County is proud to continue the tradition of serving the community in memory of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001,” said Leon County Commission Chair Carolyn D. Cummings. “Through service, we also honor the spirit of unity demonstrated by the brave first responders, members of the armed forces, and volunteers who rose to serve following the tragic events of 9/11.”
This year's event transformed the home of Louverne Thomas, a proud U.S. Army and Florida Army National Guard veteran. Ms. Thomas honorably served from 1983 to 1989, during which she completed the rigorous seven-week Unit Supply Specialist Course. For her dedication and skill, she was awarded the Army Service Ribbon and the M16 Rifle Sharpshooter Medal. Throughout the day, volunteers completed various housing rehabilitation and beautification projects, including driveway installation, exterior home painting, landscaping, soft washing, debris removal, and more.
"Today, I’m honored to join Leon County staff and volunteers in supporting Ms. Thomas and her family," said District 2 Commissioner Christian Caban. "The County's 9/11 Day of Service highlights our shared commitment to making a difference in the lives of our neighbors, especially those who served our country."
Since 2011, Leon County Government has held the 9/11 Day of Remembrance and Service to honor victims, survivors, and others who rose in service in response to the attacks. Over the years, volunteers have completed rehabilitation and beautification projects at nearly 200 homes throughout Leon County.
“For 13 years, Leon County staff and volunteers have proudly united in service to remember the thousands of lives lost during the tragic events of September 11,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. “Today, we stand together once again to pay our respects and reaffirm our commitment to remembering their legacy.”
Annual volunteer events are hosted nationwide on September 11 and surrounding days to give back to the community in honor and in memory of the victims and heroes of 9/11. Find opportunities to volunteer in Leon County at Volunteer.VolunteerLeon.org.
“I am so grateful to Leon County for going above and beyond to complete these repairs to my home during 9/11 Day of Service,” said homeowner and U.S. Army veteran Louverne Thomas. “Words cannot express how much this means to me and my family.”
For more information, contact Leon County Community and Media Relations at (850) 606-5300 / CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov.
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Leon County employees and community volunteers posing outside the home of Louverne Thomas during 9/11 Day of Remembrance and Service.
Leon County staff planting bushes during 9/11 Day of Remembrance and Service.
District 3 Commissioner Rick Minor painting a porch during 9/11 Day of Remembrance and Service.
Homeowner and U.S. Army veteran Louverne Thomas receiving a proclamation during the 9/11 Day of Remembrance and Service luncheon ceremony. From left to right: County Administrator Vincent S. Long, District 2 Commissioner Christian Caban, Louverne Thomas, Leon County Commission Chair Carolyn D. Cummings, Assistant County Administrator Shington Lamy, and Housing Services Manager Jelani Marks.
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