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DeBary honors hometown heroes; public speakers announce scholarships and wreath fundraiser
Summary
The council recognized local veterans in a hometown heroes ceremony. During public participation, American Legion Post 259 announced a scholarship program awarding five $1,000 scholarships and a Wreaths Across America representative requested wreath sponsorships for the December ceremony.
The meeting opened with a hometown heroes recognition where the City of DeBary presented certificates and listened to the service stories of several local veterans representing the Navy, Army and Air Force.
Robert Wilkerson, chair of the hometown hero selection committee, introduced the honorees and thanked sponsors and committee members. The council and public heard short accounts from multiple veterans, including Petty Officer Third Class Allen West, Lieutenant Colonel William Quirk and Commander Bobby Rountree, each recounting service experiences and the role military service played in their careers.
At the start of public participation, Paul Frederick of American Legion Post 259 announced a new scholarship program. “We are introducing a new program in which $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to 5 selected students,” Frederick said. He outlined eligibility criteria that include being a descendant of a veteran or a DeBary/Orange City resident, a minimum 3.5 GPA and letters of recommendation; applications will be accepted from Feb. 1 to April 30 of the student’s graduation year.
David Sosa, speaking on behalf of Wreaths Across America at Deltona Memorial Gardens, asked residents to sponsor wreaths for a December 13 ceremony and said wreaths are $17 each. “If you would like to sponsor a wreath, they're $17,” Sosa told the council, and provided the event ID for online donations.
Councilmembers and staff thanked the veterans and the committee for the annual event. The city announced that banners honoring the hometown heroes will remain on display for approximately one year.
