The American Legion Oratorical Competition gives high school students in grades 9–12, including homeschooled students, an opportunity to strengthen their public speaking skills, build confidence and compete for scholarships, including a $25,000 national scholarship.
Our Legion Family plays an important role in making this program successful. Attend local competitions, support our young speakers and encourage students in your family, schools and community to participate. Sometimes all it takes is one person recognizing a young person’s potential and encouraging them to step forward.
Help us spread the word and give Florida’s youth an opportunity to find their voice and make an impact.
Governor Ron DeSantis has proclaimed Sept. 11–17, 2026, as Patriot Week throughout the State of Florida, honoring the principles of freedom and liberty upon which our nation was founded and remembering those who have sacrificed in their defense.
Patriot Week begins on Sept. 11, a day of solemn remembrance for the 2,977 civilians and first responders who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the attacks.
As part of the proclamation, Sept. 11, 2026, is also designated as “9/11 Heroes’ Day.” Floridians are asked to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m.Eastern Daylight Time, marking the time the first plane struck the World Trade Center.
The proclamation also directs the flags of the United States and the State of Florida to be flown at half-staff from midnight to midnight on Sept. 11 at state and local government buildings throughout Florida. Other governmental entities, organizations and interested groups are encouraged to join in the observance.
Patriot Week continues through Sept.17, Constitution Day, recognizing the signing of the U.S. Constitution and providing an opportunity to reflect on the Founding Fathers, the constitutional republic they entrusted to future generations, and the responsibilities of an informed citizenry.
The proclamation emphasizes that American patriotism has endured through times of turmoil and peace and calls attention to the ideals, documents, speeches and symbols that have helped shape the nation. It also recognizes Patriot Week, 9/11 Heroes’ Day, American Founders’ Month and Celebrate Freedom Week as observances commemorating individual liberty, unalienable rights and equal opportunity woven into the fabric of the United States.
For members of The American Legion, Department of Florida, Patriot Week carries special significance. The principles recognized throughout the week closely reflect our commitment to Americanism, service and ensuring future generations understand both the freedoms they inherit and the responsibilities that accompany them.
As Florida observes Patriot Week, we encourage our Legion Family, Posts and communities across the state to remember those we lost, honor those who serve, proudly display the American flag and take time to reflect on the principles that continue to unite our nation.
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Past Southwestern Area Commander Steven Slachta of Bonita Springs, Florida. Steven passed away on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at the age of 84.
Steven is survived by his beloved wife, Yvonne Slachta; his daughters, Vanessa and Katrina; and his son, Eric. Service details are not yet available. Information regarding arrangements will be shared on the Department’s website as it becomes available.
Steven proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1979 to 2002 and was a devoted member of Bonita Springs Post 303. He faithfully served The American Legion for 34 continuous years.
Throughout his many years of dedicated service, Steven made a lasting contribution to veterans, his community, and The American Legion. He served as Commander of Bonita Springs Post 303 from 2006 to 2014, and later served as Post Adjutant and Judge Advocate from 2021 to 2023. His service extended beyond the Post level, serving as 13th District Commander from 2010 to 2012, Southwestern Area Commander from 2012 to 2013, and Department National Security Chair from 2013 to 2014.
Those wishing to extend their condolences may do so by sending them to his wife at:
Yvonne Slachta
28920 Regis Ct.
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Please keep Steven’s family, friends, and fellow Legionnaires in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Past Northern Area Commander Joseph E. “Joe” Nolan of Jacksonville, Florida. Joe passed away on Monday, August 31, 2026, at the age of 83.
Joe is survived by his three sons, David, Matthew, and Justin. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at 2:30 PM at American Legion Post 316, located at 1127 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach, FL 32233.
Joe proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era and was a devoted member of Atlantic Beach Post 316. He faithfully served The American Legion for 45 continuous years.
Throughout his many years of dedicated service, Joe made a lasting contribution to veterans, his community, and The American Legion. He served as Commander of Ponte Vedra Beach Post 233 from 1993 to 1994 and as Post Adjutant from 1999 to 2002. He served as Department Commander’s Aide to Clarence Hill from 2002 to 2003 and as 5th District Commander from 2003 to 2004. He later served as Northern Area Commander from 2008 to 2009, Commander of Atlantic Beach Post 316 from 2010 to 2011, and Department Internal Affairs Chair from 2016 to 2018. He also served on the Boys State Board from 2019 to 2021 and as Post Chaplain of Atlantic Beach Post 316 from 2020 to 2024. At the national level, Joe served as Vice Chair of The American Legion National Distinguished Guests Committee from 2002 to 2008.
Please keep Joe’s family, friends, and fellow Legionnaires in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of VA&R Chair Alan B. Cohen of Tamarac, Florida. Alan passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the age of 78.
Alan is survived by his beloved wife, Lisa Hoyland, his sons, Thomas and Michael, and his granddaughter, Ashley. Service details are not yet available. Information regarding arrangements will be shared on the Department’s website as it becomes available.
Alan was a proud U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam era and a devoted member of Cooper City Post 321. He faithfully served The American Legion for 15 continuous years.
Throughout his years of dedicated service, Alan made a lasting contribution to veterans and The American Legion. He served as the Department Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Commission Chair since 2016 and had been a member of the National Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Commission since 2016, serving as its Vice Chair since 2022. Alan also served on the National Legislative Council from 2021 through 2023.
Those wishing to extend their condolences may do so by sending them to his wife at:
Lisa Hoyland
5302 Date Palm Pl
Tamarac, FL 33319
The graveside service will take place on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 10:00 AM at:
South Florida National Cemetery
6501 S. State Road 7
Lake Worth, FL
Attendees are asked to arrive by 9:30 AM and report to Lane 5.
A Celebration of Life will also be held on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 1:00 PM at:
American Legion Post 321
9081 SW 51st Street
Cooper City, FL
Please keep Alan’s family, friends, and fellow Legionnaires in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Governor’s proclamation honors Purple Heart recipients and recognizes the service and sacrifice of Florida’s combat-wounded veterans
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — August 7, 2026 — Florida is observing Florida Purple Heart Day today, honoring the men and women who have received one of the nation’s oldest and most revered military decorations.
Governor Ron DeSantis issued a proclamation recognizing August 7, 2026, as Florida Purple Heart Day and encouraging Floridians to honor the state’s Purple Heart recipients, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedoms.
The Purple Heart traces its history to August 7, 1782, when General George Washington established the Badge of Military Merit. According to the proclamation, the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor estimates that more than 1.8 million Purple Hearts have been awarded to American service members since 1782.
Florida formally established August 7 as Florida Purple Heart Day through legislation unanimously passed by the Florida Legislature in 2012. The day recognizes recipients of the nation’s oldest military award given to combat-wounded veterans.
The proclamation also highlights Florida’s continuing commitment to Purple Heart recipients. Among the benefits recognized are undergraduate tuition waivers at state universities and colleges for eligible Purple Heart recipients and recipients of certain other combat-related decorations, as well as similar waivers at state career and technical training facilities.
Florida’s recognition of Purple Heart veterans extends throughout the state. The proclamation notes that more than 9,198 Purple Heart license plates have been issued to eligible Florida recipients. The Military Order of the Purple Heart has also designated Florida as a Purple Heart State, with 41 counties and 96 cities designated as Purple Heart Counties and Cities.
For The American Legion, Department of Florida, Purple Heart Day provides another opportunity to recognize veterans whose military service came at a profound personal cost.
“Purple Heart Day reminds us that behind this decoration are men and women who shed blood in service to our country,” said Stuart Scott, Legislative Chair for The American Legion, Department of Florida. “We encourage our Legionnaires, Posts, families, and communities across Florida to honor our Purple Heart recipients and remember the sacrifices they made to defend the freedoms we enjoy.”
The American Legion, Department of Florida, joins Floridians across the state in saluting all Purple Heart recipients and remembering those who gave their lives in service to our nation.
We are deeply saddened to announce that U. Eason Bennett Jr. transferred to Post Everlasting on July 10, 2026.
Eason was a proud Korean War veteran and a dedicated member of American Legion Post 54 in Fernandina Beach for 46 years. At 96 years old, his commitment to The American Legion never wavered. He faithfully attended every General Membership meeting and could also be found at the post nearly every Friday and Saturday evening, enjoying the camaraderie and supporting the post’s family dinners.
Eason embraced life with the same enthusiasm that defined his service and dedication. When he celebrated his 90th birthday, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by skydiving—and he did it with a smile. Just days before his passing, he joined fellow Legionnaires in celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary at Post 54, continuing his tradition of being present for the people and the organization he loved.
Eason’s kindness, loyalty, and unmistakable presence touched everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed by his Legion family, his friends, and his community.
A Celebration of Life honoring Eason will be held at Post 54 on October 10, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. We invite all who knew and loved him to join us as we celebrate a life well lived and a Legionnaire whose legacy of friendship, service, and dedication will never be forgotten.
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Past Department Women Veterans Chair Deborah D. “Debbie” Wheeler of Dunedin, Florida. Debbie passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the age of 66.
Service details are not yet available. Updates regarding arrangements will be shared on the Department’s website as they become available.
Debbie was a proud U.S. Air Force veteran of the Lebanon/Grenada era and a devoted member of Dunedin Post 275. She faithfully served The American Legion for 30 continuous years.
Throughout her many years of dedicated service, Debbie served as Post Service Officer from 2019 through 2025, Post 2nd Vice Commander from 2021 through 2022, Department Women Veterans Chair from 2019 through 2022, and Department Women Veterans Vice Chair from 2022 through 2023. She also served as a member of National’s Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Council from 2015 through 2016 and the National Security Council from 2018 through 2025.
In the Department of West Virginia, Debbie served as Department Oratorical Chair and 3rd District Commander in 2001.
Please keep Debbie’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Past Department Finance Chair Robert D. “Bob” Plafchan of Avon Park, Florida. Bob passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the age of 84.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Carol Plafchan. The family has elected to honor Bob’s wishes, and no services or events will be held following his passing.
Bob was a proud U.S. Navy veteran and a devoted member of Avon Park Post 69. He faithfully served The American Legion for 28 continuous years.
Throughout his many years of dedicated service, Bob served as Post Finance Officer from 2020 through 2021, District 8 Adjutant from 2014 through 2024, and as a member of the Department Finance Committee from 2019 through 2025. He also served as Chair of the Department Finance Committee from 2024 through 2025.
Condolences may be sent to his wife at:
Carol Plafchan
1628 W. Orangewood Ct.
Avon Park, FL 33828
Please keep Bob’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Past Department Women Veterans Chair Deborah D. “Debbie” Wheeler of Dunedin, Florida. Debbie passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the age of 66.
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Past Department Finance Chair Robert D. “Bob” Plafchan of Avon Park, Florida. Bob passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the age of 84.