Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is dedicated to the 166 Veterans who perished during the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane in Florida.
On Sept. 2, 1935, a hurricane destroyed three Veteran Work Program camps in the Florida Keys. The Veteran Work Program was managed by the Federal Emergency Relief Administration to provide employment to transient Veterans. Among those working at the camps, 166 Veterans perished and were buried in unmarked graves at Woodlawn Park North Cemetery. Another 90 were reported missing.
A military funeral, along with the establishment of a Hurricane Monument, took place on Nov. 14, 1937. Hundreds of people attended, though according to local residents, few now remember their sacrifice.
We honor their service.
Editor’s note: Post updated Nov. 24, 2021, to reflect the 90 missing.
Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay
Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.
It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much of the information as you can put together with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating for how to create the best submission.
Graphic created by Carl J. Valentino: Carl J. Valentino is a student at the University of Delaware with a Major in International Business and a Minor in Graphic Design.
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