Victory In Orlando
Orange County Veterans Memorial

Orlando - 4/19/98

Bowing to pressure from the Florida Division, SCV, and several local Veterans organizations, the Orange County Commission agreed to place the names of 18 Confederate Soldiers and 3 Seminole Indian War Soldiers on a monument outside of the Orange County Courthouse.

The special monument, erected in honor of soldiers from Orange County who were killed in the line of duty, was erected last fall at a cost to the taxpayers of $300,000.00.

The names of soldiers from the Seminole Indian War, and the War Between the States were omitted, because they were "divisive" conflicts.

WFTV Channel 9 reporter Ms. Jane Watrel conducted an on-camera interview with Cdr. John Adams, Lt. Cdr. Fitzhugh Lee Opie, and Compatriot Robert Lynn (of SCV Camp 102), concerning this intentional omission.  The interview aired on the 5:30pm and 11:00pm news, and created quite a stir among local veterans organizations.  It is believed that the American Legion championed our cause, and the County Government gave in and agreed to include the names.  This will amount to a considerable extra cost to the county, since in order to keep the veterans grouped by conflict, and in chronological order, three granite panels will have to be completely re-carved.

Members of the SCV have been invited, by the County, to attend and participate in the monument dedication ceremony, Sunday 4/19/98 at 2:00pm.  All SCV members are welcome.  The SCV has been asked to come in uniform, to place a wreath, and to post our flags at the monument.  The Orange County Government could not be more cooperative and accommodating, now that the matter has been settled.

Reported by:

John Adams
Florida Division Adjutant