Jacksonville has been named "City of the Year" by veterans’ organization the Forty & Eight.
Jacksonville City Council Member Don Redman, accepted the award at the Forty & Eight's convention in Phoenix, Ariz., on Friday, Sept. 13.
According to a release, the city earned the national recognition for its extensive efforts supporting the military and veterans community, including the Jobs for Veterans Program and Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program.
“This honor is well-deserved for a city that is working hard to show leadership and dedication,” said Ron Garland, state Chef de Gare for the Forty & Eight. “We applaud the City of Jacksonville for embracing opportunities and developing solutions for our military and veterans community.”
Jacksonville received the City of the Year award from the Florida chapter of the Forty & Eight in May of this year.
Founded in 1920 by American veterans returning from France, La Societe des Quarante Hommes at Huit Chevaux, or the Forty & Eight, was originally part of the American Legion. The group, whose mission is , is dedicated to promoting the welfare of veterans, widows and orphans became independent in 1960.
