Backup Documents 01/27/2015 Item # 4A 4 A
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, on behalf of the residents of Collier County, the Board of Collier County Commissioners
would like to recognize Mr. Peter Thomas for his service to our community and our
country; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Thomas's dedication to our country became apparent when he, as a teenager,
volunteered for the United States Army in 1943 and was assigned to the First Infantry
Division in Europe; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Thomas served admirably as part of the First Infantry Division in five major
campaigns, including as one of 28 replacement soldiers in his unit selected to go to Omaha
Beach on June 7, 1944 (the day after the D-Day invasion), earning five battle stars, the
Bronze Star and the Purple Heart; and,
WHEREAS, that life-altering experience as a soldier gave him a deeper appreciation for his fellow
service members, his country and his freedom; and,
WHEREAS, he dedicated himself to improving the community through sharing his story and through his
volunteer charity work, including serving on many local and national boards ranging from the
National D-Day Memorial Foundation, the Collier County Veterans Council and the Holocaust
Museum of Southwest Florida; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Thomas's well-known baritone voice hos graced the airwaves for decades and is
instantly recognizable to anyone who has ever watched 'Forensic Files"or his work on the
Academy Award winning "One Survivor Remembers."He used his gift, volunteering to
record a 30-second commercial for the Collier County Freedom Memorial, and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Thomas dedicated himself to his wonderful wife of 68 years, Stella, who was his
biggest supporter and champion; and,
WHEREAS, the Board of Collier County Commissioners would like to officially recognize Mr. Thomas for
a lifetime of dedicated service to our community.
NOW THEREFORE, it proclaimed by the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County, Florida, that
January 27, 2015 be designated as
PETER THOMAS DAY
DONE AND ORDERED THIS 27th Day of January 2015.
A Alt BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
07 r COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA
0\\\ TIM NANCE, CHAIRMAN
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