Decoration Day: Visiting Florida National Cemetery
Memorial Day began as “Decoration Day” in 1868, when the wounds of America’s Civil War were still raw. It wasn’t until 1971 that Memorial Day was deemed a Federal Holiday.
Living so close to Florida National Cemetery provides area residents a unique opportunity to pay tribute to those who served our nation and learn about the sacrifices they made.
As you drive by and see row after row of gravesites, your emotions are boundless.
The Florida National Cemetery was established in 1983 when it was carved out of the Withlacoochee State Forest. It is the fourth national cemetery created in Florida. In 1988, the first person was interred at the cemetery. The resting place serves individuals who fought in wars as far back as the Second Seminole War.
Major David Moniac, (2nd Seminole War) LT of the 6th U.S. Infantry Alabama Mounted Creek Volunteers rests at the Florida National Cemetery. He was the first Native American Graduate of the United States Military Academy, Class of 1822. LT Moniac was killed in action at the Withlacoochee’s Wahoo Swamp on Nov. 21, 1836. LT Moniac was the only Native American officer of the volunteer Creek unit. Florida’s Governor Call directed a force of 2500 soldiers to Wahoo Swamp to overtake the Seminole stronghold and the Seminole Chief Jumper. The deep water of the Withlacoochee in that particular area posed a problem for the American soldiers. LT Moniac charged into the river to encourage his men to follow him across. Unfortunately he was shot down by a Seminole. His grave is located in Section MD, Grave 1.
Florida National Cemetery is simply stunning with rolling hills and large beautiful shade trees throughout its vivid green landscape. It is the finest resting place any man or woman could conceive of.
On Memorial Day, we must not let those that fought for our country be forgotten; whether they fought by air, land or sea.
To ensure the sacrifices of America’s fallen heroes are never forgotten, President Bill Clinton signed into law the “The National Moment of Remembrance Act,” P.L. 106-579. This created the White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance. The commission’s charter is to “encourage the people of the United States to give something back to their country, which provides them so much freedom and opportunity.” The National Moment of Remembrance occurs at 3:00pm on Memorial Day. It is a moment of reflection to honor those who were killed while serving the United States of America.
From all branches they fought together and they now lay at rest together.
Take a day to visit those men and women that served this great nation, which lived and died for a country of so much beauty and freedom. Take a moment to remember, close your eyes and give thanks to those that help protect the ground on which you stand.
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Florida National Cemetery
6502 SW 102nd Avenue
Bushnell, FL 33513
Know more at http://www.va.gov/opa/speceven/memday/