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We all know the Rick Scott administration isn’t big on creating new government programs, but Scott’s former chief of staff, Mike Prendergast, who now heads the state Department of Veterans Affairs, wants to institute a Florida Veterans Hall of Fame. Scott signed off on a bill authorizing the creation of the hall earlier this year.
Nothing controversial there in and of itself. However, Prendergast’s suggestions for the initial class includes Gov. Scott himself as well as six former Confederate soldiers.
Prendergast, a retired Army Col. with close ties to Scott, has submitted a list for approval by the Florida cabinet for the initial induction class. Oddly, every name on the 21-person list is a former Florida governor who served in the armed forces.
It seems to us that former governors already get their share of honor. Meanwhile, ordinary Florida citizens who served in the military are left without recognition. The list also leaves out woman and minorities who have served in the armed forces.
Perhaps most shockingly, though, is that it would honor vets who fought against the U.S. Army. Six former governors would be recognized for their service in the Confederate Army.
Rick Scott himself would also be honored. He served in the Navy for 29 months as a radar technician on the USS Glover.
Each inductee would be honored with a plaque in the state capital.
Some lawmakers are already asking the Cabinet to scrap the initial list.
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