MANATEE COUNTY, FL (February 20, 2025) – Manatee County Veterans Services is inviting Gold Star Families to participate in the creation of a new interactive memorial kiosk designed to honor fallen military personnel. This initiative seeks to provide a meaningful platform for the community to celebrate, honor, and remember their heroes.
The kiosk will be located outside of the Manatee County Board of County Commission chambers at the administration building in downtown Bradenton and will honor veterans who have died in combat or in service and support of a theater of war since World War I.
To be included in this memorial, the service member must have lived in Manatee County and died while on active duty overseas in a war zone or because of wounds sustained during service in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, or the Gulf Wars, and must have been honorably discharged. The memorial will also serve as a living document to honor those who have died as the result of future conflicts.
Once submissions are received, Veterans Services staff will follow up to learn more about the veterans being honored.
"Manatee County is creating a space where the sacrifices of our fallen heroes are not only remembered but truly honored," said District 4 Manatee County Commissioner Mike Rahn. "This interactive kiosk will serve as a lasting symbol of gratitude, providing a place where we can all reflect, share in the deep sacrifices made, and ensure their legacy endures for generations."
A Gold Star Family refers to the immediate family members of a service member who died while serving in the U.S. military. The term originates from the tradition of displaying a gold star on a service flag, replacing the blue star used to honor family members serving in the military. If the military member died during their service, the family would replace the blue star with a gold one, symbolizing their sacrifice.
Gold Star Families typically include parents, spouses, children, and siblings of the fallen service member. The Gold Star designation is a mark of profound loss, used to show respect and recognition for the sacrifices made by these families.
To enhance the kiosk's interactive experience, family members and friends will have the opportunity to record personal memories and stories about their loved one's life and service. These recordings will be featured within the kiosk, allowing the community to both hear and read these heartfelt tributes, fostering a deeper connection to the veterans' legacies.
For more information about this program, or to submit a Gold Star recipient, contact Veterans Services Intake Specialist Kelly Lipp at
[email protected].
For more information about Manatee County Veterans Services call (941) 745-3795, send an email to
[email protected].
About Manatee County Veterans Services:
Manatee County Veteran Services is a Benefits and Referrals office dedicated to supporting, connecting, and empowering the approximately 40,000 veterans in Manatee County. The office assists veterans in determining eligibility for VA benefits and guides them through the application, claims, and appeals processes to achieve the best possible outcomes. It ensures veterans have access to all available federal, state, and county benefits based on VA eligibility. For issues beyond VA resolution, the office leverages a network of community partners, non-profits, and grant-based assistance programs to provide additional support.