MANATEE COUNTY, FL (April 4, 2025) – Manatee County will unveil a new Gold Star Memorial kiosk on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 10 a.m., in the lobby of the Manatee County Administration Building.
“This is an opportunity to honor those who’ve paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom,” said Mike Rahn, Manatee County District 4 Commissioner and Marine Corps veteran. “We are pleased to unveil this interactive display in time for Memorial Day.”
The event will include remarks from local dignitaries, veteran organizations, Gold Star family representatives and Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., who represents Florida's 16th Congressional District. Additional comments will be provided by County Commissioners and administrators who are military veterans.
Family and friends are encouraged to submit stories, photos and biographies of fallen service members for inclusion in the Gold Star Memorial kiosk by contacting the Veteran Services Office at 941-745-3795 and scheduling an interview. In some cases, immediate family members may not be available or located, and contributions from friends, classmates, or community members who knew the service member can provide meaningful insight and ensure their legacy is honored.
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 hear and read tributes, fostering a deeper connection to the veterans' legacies.
The memorial will also provide context about Manatee County's role in supporting each war effort. Information featured in the kiosk is gathered through research and interviews with friends and family members who wish to preserve the legacy of their loved ones.
Learn More About the Gold Star Initiative
The Gold Star Memorial kiosk recognizes the families of service members from Manatee County who lost their lives under qualifying circumstances, in accordance with 10 U.S. Code § 1126.
For more information about Manatee County Veterans Services call (941) 745-3795, send an email to [email protected].