TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - U.S. Senator Bill Nelson has filed legislation to rename the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Center on Orange Avenue in Tallahassee, in honor of Marine Corps Sgt. Ernest "Boots" Thomas.
Thomas first joined the marines in 1942, shortly after the U.S. was attacked at Pearl Harbor. He was killed in action on March 3, 1945, just days after the now-famous flag raising on Iwo Jima.
“Sergeant Thomas is an American hero,” Nelson said. “I can think of no more fitting tribute to his extraordinary service to our country than the renaming of this VA clinic in his honor.”
Thomas was born in Tampa before moving with his family to Monticello at the age of eight. He graduated from Monticello High School in 1941.
The legislation, co-sponsored by U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, now heads to the senate veterans affairs committee for consideration.
A copy of the bill is available here.
