Secretary Byrd encourages veterans to share their stories

Press release from Secretary of State Cord Byrd

TALLAHASSEE, FLA. — Secretary of State Cord Byrd encourages Florida veterans to participate in the Major John Leroy Haynes Florida Veterans’ History Program by sharing their stories. The program, signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, was created to collect and preserve the experiences of Florida’s veterans. This public invitation coincides with Armed Forces Day this Saturday, May 17.

“The stories from Florida veterans provide valuable lessons about courage, sacrifice, and resilience,” said Secretary of State Cord Byrd. “This program honors their service by capturing and preserving their unique experiences and making those narratives available now and for future generations.”

The program is seeking Florida veterans to record their histories. Veterans of all ranks and branches are encouraged to schedule an oral history interview to document their experiences. Veterans and their families may also submit their own materials, including written accounts, letters, diaries, and photographs. To participate, email Folklife@DOS.FL.gov or call (850) 245-6780.

To commemorate the launch of the program, The Florida Veterans’ History Program will be in Miami this Saturday to collect oral histories from local veterans.  A recording booth will be available on May 17, 2025, at the Miami Military Museum as part of the Unveiling Ceremony of the Miami Dade County Gold Star Families Memorial Monument.

The Florida Department of State launched the website, https://DOS.FL.gov/VeteransHistory, to showcase stories from Florida’s veteran heroes, highlight the impact Florida veterans have made to the state and provide a history of Florida’s military contributions. These stories and updates will also be shared on The Florida Veterans’ History Program social media channels on Facebook and YouTube @FLVeteransHistory.