The Ellwood Robinson “Bob Pipping Memorial Act”, which recognizes the accomplishments and sacrifices of military veterans and their families, sailed through Tallahassee with a non-partisan 100% “YEA” approval vote in both the House and the Senate! 

Passage of House Bill #201 (Senate Bill #868) was secured by  votes from all members of the Military & Veterans Affairs Committee, Transportation Committee, Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations Committee, and State Administration Council. Governor Jeb Bush then signed the bill into law on May 24, 2005.

The bill gives every military organization in the state of Florida (holding tax exempt status for at least 2 years) the opportunity to honor veterans by displaying monuments, memorials, plaques and retired military equipment at all rest stops and welcoming centers on interstate highways in the state.  It also directs that the Prisoner of War-Missing in Action (POW-MIA) flag be flown at each location year around.  Explanatory markers will be placed in the right of way at each location.

The Regulating Committee for the bill will be composed of the Secretary of the FDOT (or his designee), the Executive Director of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (or his designee), and three members of the Florida Commission on Veterans’ Affairs, appointed by the Chair of the Commission.  Appointed members shall serve terms not to exceed 2 years and may be re-appointed to the committee.  Appointed members’ terms expire on January 31 of each even-numbered year.

Please thank your legislator for his or her vote on this important matter.