Thanks

The Community Foundation of North Florida congratulates the World War II Tribute Fund Committee members and thank Leon County Commissioners and the World War II Tribute Fund donors. Their commitment and generosity made it possible for Tallahassee to honor the veterans of World War II with a Sandy Proctor bronze sculpture located in front of the Leon County Courthouse.

The dedication of the World War II Veterans' Memorial at the Leon County Courthouse was a wonderful and moving event. The attendance of hundreds of people is a further testament of the appreciation for the men and women of WWII.

The efforts of many people made it possible for the wonderful bronze statue to be placed here in Tallahassee. On behalf of the Memorial Steering Committee, we wish to thank them.

First, the generous donors who helped to purchase the statue and the 700 memorial bricks; the Leon County Commission, and especially Commissioner Tony Grippa, who suggested the lawn of the courthouse as a site for the memorial, and his aide Guy Thompson; Tom Brantley and Albert Sessions of Facilities Management, who were absolutely essential to the success of this project; and Jackie Cooper in Public Relations.

The donations from Rocky Bevis of Bevis Funeral Home of the marble dedication plaque at the base of the monument, Durra-Quick Print of the programs and Tallahassee Nurseries of the wreath were greatly appreciated. The talents of the musicians, Belinda Dudley, Sharon Tacot and Brian Urso, made the event especially moving. The staff of the Community Foundation of North Florida, Joy Watkins and Leah Carter, spent hours processing the donations, answering questions and organizing names for the memorial bricks.

There was a short time frame in which to prepare the base for the statue and lay the bricks. Mark Carrell and his crew at 84 West Contracting were terrific in completing the site in time for the dedication.

Finally, we thank the very talented artist, Sandy Proctor, whose work will be a permanent part of our community . Memorial bricks may be purchased through the Community Foundation of North Florida (222-2899), until December 31. They will be placed at the site early next year.