Aaron Bean

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Clay County's upcoming America250 celebration. 250 years ago, America was born from a revolutionary idea: that government gets its power from the people. That idea became the United States of America. This year, our Nation celebrates its 250th anniversary. Back home in Clay County, Florida, we are marking this historic milestone by remembering what we inherited and recommitting ourselves to passing it on.

On October 14, in celebration of America's 250th anniversary, Clay County leaders will gather at the Historic Triangle in Green Cove Springs to sign our America 250 proclamation at exactly 2:50 in the afternoon.

October 14 has special meaning. On that day in 1774, the First Continental Congress adopted the Declaration and Resolves, another important step on the road to July 4, 1776.

Mr. Speaker, freedom does not run on autopilot. Every generation must teach it, defend it, and pass it on. Clay County is answering that call.

On October 14, Clay County will not simply remember American history. We will add a page to it. May God bless Clay County, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.

I include in the Record the following proclamation:

WHEREAS, on July 4, 1776, our nation's founders declared

that all people are created equal and are endowed with the

unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of

happiness, establishing the principles that continue to guide

the United States of America; and

WHEREAS, for 250 years, generations of Americans have

defended those ideals through service, sacrifice, innovation,

civic engagement, and an unwavering commitment to self-

government; and

WHEREAS, Clay County has played an important role in our

nation's history, from its early settlements along the St.

Johns River to its enduring support of agriculture, military

service, conservation, commerce, and the freedoms that define

our American way of life; and

WHEREAS, the people of Clay County have built strong

communities rooted in faith, family, hard work, and public

service, creating a legacy that reflects the very principles

upon which our Nation was founded; and

WHEREAS, the 250th anniversary of the United States offers

an opportunity to honor the courage and vision of those who

came before us while recognizing our shared responsibility to

preserve our history, protect our freedoms, and strengthen

our communities for future generations; and

WHEREAS, Clay County is proud to commemorate America's

Semiquincentennial through educational programs, community

celebrations, historic preservation efforts, and the

establishment of a permanent Charters of Freedom display,

creating a lasting tribute to the Declaration of

Independence, the United States Constitution, and the Bill of

Rights for residents and visitors alike; and

WHEREAS, this anniversary reminds us that the American

story is still being written, and that each generation has

the privilege and responsibility to safeguard liberty,

encourage civic participation, and inspire those who will

follow us; and

NOW, THEREFORE, WE, the undersigned elected officials of

Clay County, together with our state and federal legislative

partners, do hereby proclaim our shared commitment to

honoring the 250th Anniversary of the United States of

America.

We encourage all residents to reflect upon our nation's

history, celebrate the enduring ideals of freedom and

democracy, recognize the sacrifices made to preserve them,

and work together to ensure that the blessings of liberty

continue for generations to come.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hands this

14th day of October, in Clay County, Florida, in celebration

of America 250 and in recognition of our enduring commitment

to our Nation, our community, and the generations yet to

come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of Myra Ann Landress Jones, a beloved native of Fernandina Beach, Florida, who passed away on September 8, 2026, at the age of 86.

Born on June 6, 1940, to Raymond and Inez Landress, Myra was a proud member of the Fernandina Beach High School graduating class of 1958 and a lifelong pillar of our local community. Her faith and community spirit shone brightly through her active membership at Springhill Baptist Church and her passionate support as a University of Florida Gator Booster.

Myra dedicated decades of her life to public service, retiring from the Federal government after distinguished work as a legal assistant with the United States Attorney in New Hampshire, the Florida Veterans Administration, and the Federal Aviation Administration. Never one to slow down, she continued serving Nassau County by working for the School Board of Nassau County and Fernandina Beach Realty for two decades before her well-earned retirement in 2018 at the age of 78.

Above all else, Myra's heart belonged to her family. She was a devoted mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and surrogate grandmother whose warmth, guidance, and love enriched multiple generations. She leaves behind a remarkable legacy in her sons, Benjamin and David; her daughter, Leslie; her extended family; and a growing lineage of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will forever cherish her memory.

Mr. Speaker, Myra Ann Landress Jones lived a life defined by quiet dedication to her country, her community, and her loved ones. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring her memory and extending our deepest condolences to her family during this time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Donald ``Don'' David Patchen, a decorated Vietnam veteran, longtime law enforcement officer, and devoted public servant, who passed away on April 21, 2026, at the age of 79.

Don lived a life defined by courage, service, and a commitment to others. From 1966 to 1969, he served our nation in the United States Army, including combat duty in the Vietnam War. He was wounded twice in service to his country--a reflection of the sacrifice he willingly made in defense of our nation and the freedoms we cherish.

Following his military service, Don joined the Tallahassee Police Department, beginning a distinguished 27-year career in law enforcement. For 17 of those years, he was a homicide detective, including serving as the lead investigator in the Ted Bundy case.

Later in his career, Don served as a Field Training Officer, where he passed on his experience and hard-earned knowledge to the next generation of officers.

Don served for several years as president of the Optimist Club of Tallahassee, continuing his lifelong dedication to community and supporting others.

Yet Don was far more than his uniform or badge. He embraced life with energy and curiosity. He was a judo champion, a skilled pilot, a motorcycle enthusiast, and a competitive dog trainer.

He is survived by his wife, Diane Bean Patchen; his daughter, Dr. Kim Al-Mayyah, and her husband, Hayder; his son, Bubba Carver, and his wife, Jenna; his daughter, Ragan Simpson, and her spouse, Paige; and his niece, Angela Reynolds.

Mr. Speaker, as we mark 250 years of American independence, we are reminded that our nation's story is carried forward by men and women like Don Patchen--those who answered the call to serve and who continued that service long after their formal duty ended. Because of lives like his, our nation is stronger, and our gratitude is deeper.