Florida has long been a magnet for Veterans of the United States Armed Forces. This is understandable given the state’s abundant sunshine, opportunities for year‑round outdoor activity, and infrastructure that supports retirement living. Florida is also home to more than 20 major U.S. military bases and installations, 50 VA outpatient clinics, and seven major VA medical centers contributing to a strong and enduring Veteran presence statewide. Regardless of the reasons, Florida is home to more than 1.4 million Veterans — the third‑largest Veteran population of any state in the nation (National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics, 30 September 2023). We owe a profound debt of gratitude to these men and women for their service, commitment, and sacrifice, and we are proud to call them our neighbors in communities throughout our great state.
We are proud to offer our recognition programs to honor those who have served our nation with courage, integrity, and unwavering commitment. The programs are a tribute to the men and women whose sacrifices — both seen and unseen — have safeguarded our freedoms and strengthened our communities. Each veteran’s story is one of resilience, leadership, and service. We aim to highlight their contributions.
Our programs strive to honor their contributions and celebrate the continuing impact veterans make in civilian life. Whether through mentorship, volunteerism, or community leadership, they remain examples of dedication and compassion. By offering these programs, we express our gratitude and reaffirm our commitment to supporting those who have given so much. It is our privilege to acknowledge their service and to ensure their achievements are recognized and remembered.
Mission Alignment
The mission statement of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (NSSAR), of which the Florida State Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (FLSSAR) is a chartered entity, states:
“The Sons of the American Revolution honors our Revolutionary War patriot ancestors by promoting patriotism, serving our communities, and educating and inspiring future generations about the founding principles of our Country.”
What group of patriots is more deserving of our support than our nation’s Veterans whose service exemplifies patriotism and the enduring principles upon which our country was founded?
Veterans Affairs Committee
The purpose of the Veterans Affairs Committee is to foster, coordinate, and support Veterans Affairs programs throughout the State of Florida, in collaboration with the NSSAR and local chapters.
Programs and responsibilities include:
- Administration of the USS Stark Award (National SAR program)
- Veterans Corps enrollment and Certificates of Patriotism
-
Recognition of eligible compatriot Veterans through:
- War Service Medals and Certificates
- Military Service Medals and Certificates
- SAR Purple Heart Pins and Wounded Warrior Coins
- Recognition of service to Veterans through the Service to Veterans Medal
- Processing applications for the FLSSAR Veterans Battalion
- Encouragement of gifting and visitation programs supporting Veterans
- Participation in military funerals, parades, and Veteran‑focused civic events
War Service Medal and Certificate
The War Service Medal was first authorized in 1899 for compatriots who served during the Spanish‑American War. Authorization was later extended to service during World War I and World War II. Following World War II, the NSSAR authorized a generic War Service Medal with specific periods of service indicated by bronze service bars.
Recognized service periods include WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Southwest Asia, Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Global War on Terrorism (for service associated with the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal).
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the War Service Medal, proof of service must be provided in the form of a DD-214 reflecting an Honorable discharge (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) or equivalent U.S. or Allied Government documentation.
Documentation must confirm that the compatriot:
-
Served, or is serving, honorably in:
- The Armed Forces of the United States,
- The military forces of a country allied with the United States, or
- A United Nations Peace Keeping Force, and
- Served against a common enemy in a war or action recognized by a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces; and
- Received a campaign medal, combat ribbon, or qualifying badge and an Honorable discharge reflected on the DD‑214 (or equivalent documentation).
Note: The National Defense Service Medal does not qualify as a campaign medal for purposes of War Service Medal eligibility.
Authorized Attachments
The following attachments may be worn with the full‑size War Service Medal:
- Bronze Service Bars — Indicate receipt of an authorized campaign medal during a specific qualifying period.
- Oak Leaf Clusters — May be worn to recognize participation in a qualifying action for which a specific bronze bar is unavailable, or in lieu of one or more bronze service bars.
- SAR Purple Heart Pin — May be worn by a compatriot awarded the Purple Heart by a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Military Service Medal and Certificate
The Military Service Medal recognizes honorable military service that does not otherwise qualify for the War Service Medal.
Proof of service must be provided through a DD‑214 reflecting an Honorable discharge or equivalent documentation and must confirm service in:
- The Armed Forces of the United States;
- The military forces of a country allied with the United States; or
- A United Nations Peace Keeping Force.
Wounded Warrior Certificate and Coin
The Wounded Warrior Certificate and Coin may be presented to any member of the U.S. Armed Forces who was injured in the line of duty.
SAR membership is not required, and receipt of the Purple Heart Medal is not required. Eligibility is based solely on documented injury incurred while serving.
Service to Veterans Medal
The Service to Veterans Medal is awarded to a compatriot who has demonstrated long and exemplary service to Veterans while acting as a representative of the National Society Sons of the American Revolution.
The medal is awarded upon accumulation of 5,000 USS Stark Award points, which may be earned through a combination of volunteer service hours, donations of goods or funds, and other qualifying Veteran‑support activities as defined in the USS Stark Award Score Sheet.
SAR Purple Heart Pin
A compatriot awarded the Purple Heart may wear the SAR Purple Heart Pin with the full‑size Military Service Medal.