Celebrate Service and Sacrifice

Patriot Plaza and the story behind The Patterson Foundation's unique public-private partnership with the National Cemetery Administration was shared with the nation during a celebration — at Sarasota National Cemetery’s Patriot Plaza in Florida on November 15, 2014 — featuring performances by the West Point Band and contributions from the following dignitaries:

• Keynote Address from U.S. Army combat veteran Wes Moore
• Speeches from Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts Jane Chu and Acting Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs Ronald E. Walters
• Performances by the West Point Band
• Maj. Gen. John Rossi, commanding general of Fort Sill in Oklahoma, administered the Oath of Enlistment to a group of 27 aspiring service members from throughout the region
• Forever Miss Americas served as masters of ceremonies:
• Ericka Dunlap — Miss America 2004
• Heather French Henry — Miss America 2000
• Nicole Johnson  — Miss America 1999
• Kaye Lani Rae Rafko-Wilson — Miss America 1988
• Sharlene Wells Hawkes — Miss America 1985

In the News

“Combat Vet to Commemorate Patriot Plaza” (WUSF)

“Veteran Took His Shots With Camera” (Sarasota Herald-Tribune)