CRESTVIEW — When residents pause at the Okaloosa County Veterans Memorial to pay their respects to local war heroes, they’ll find a new name among the roll of honor.
Albert Flowers Sr., a Crestview native, was memorialized Saturday morning by city officials, veterans and residents at the dedication and laying of a brick honoring the Bronze Star recipient.
“I believe Dad is proud,” Albert Flowers Jr. said. “He’s looking down right now and smiling. He was a hero and always will be a hero to me.”
Albert Jr. and his brother, Kent, were present at the ceremony presided over Army Sgt. George Stakley (ret.), during which Mayor David Cadle proclaimed Saturday “a day of remembrance and recognition of the heroic actions of a son of Crestview.”
In his proclamation, Cadle praised Albert Flowers Sr., whose “decisive action and courage was instrumental in saving the aircraft carrier and spring the lives of hundreds of fellow sailors” when the “Intrepid” was attacked in 1944.
Albert Jr. said Saturday’s ceremony wasn’t just about his father.
“We’re here to support all the veterans,” he said. “We honor our veterans and we love them.”
He said if his father were still alive, he believes he would share the message of non-violence he installed in his children.
“I think his message would be similar to Martin Luther King’s,” Flowers said.
“We’re really proud we can stand on this windy day to celebrate this hero,” Stakley said as wind whipped the flags held by the Crestview High School Army ROTC color guard.
“It sure is a proud moment,” Kent Flowers said.
Citations and other personal materials from Albert Flowers Sr.’s military career will be displayed in the Carver-Hill Museum at Allen Park, 895 McClelland Street.
WANT TO GO?
The Okaloosa County Veterans Memorial contains the names of local veterans who gave their lives for their country in wars and conflicts since World War I. Residents may visit the memorial and its eternal flame at the corner of Courthouse Terrace and Main Street.
Families and friends may purchase one of the few remaining bricks in honor of a war hero by contacting Bob Lynn, president of the Military Appreciation Recognition Celebration, 582-2222, bettybob1234@aol.com.
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: New Veterans Memorial brick honors World War II hero