War Memorials

In the heart of Brooksville, Florida, Courthouse Square stands as more than a physical space—it’s a living tapestry of stories, woven from the sacrifices and service of its people across generations. Here, at 20 North Main Street, where the historic Hernando County Courthouse anchors the community, four memorials stand as testaments to valor, resilience, and unity. From the modern tribute to those lost in the Global War on Terrorism to the solemn remembrance of the Confederate War Memorial, these monuments have drawn residents together, fostering reflection, celebration, and dialogue. Each marker tells a piece of Brooksville’s story, binding the community through shared heritage and the heartbeat of its central square.

On January 15, 2021, a chilly morning brought Brooksville’s residents to Courthouse Square for the unveiling of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial, a powerful tribute to five local heroes who gave their lives in post-9/11 conflicts. The granite and bronze monument, etched with the names of Marine Corps Sergeant Lea Robert Mills and Army Specialists Cody Clark Grater, Michael Wayne Schafer, Justin Dean Coleman, and Clarence Williams III, stands as a beacon of remembrance. Sparked by Marine Corps veteran Brent Lowman’s vision—ignited by a simple poster in the tax collector’s office—the memorial was brought to life through the Lowman Family Foundation, Cycadia Monument Company, and local support from Day Metal Products. The ceremony, marked by the Marine Corps League 708 presenting colors and a high schooler singing the National Anthem, was a moment of unity, with Commissioner Jeff Holcomb’s words echoing the post-9/11 spirit of togetherness. Nestled near the Veterans Roll of Honor, this memorial weaves into the square’s daily rhythm—veterans pause to trace names, families reflect during festivals, and school groups learn of modern sacrifices. It’s a bridge to younger generations, reminding them of freedom’s cost in a town where over 23,000 veterans reside.

Since 1976, the Hernando County, Florida War Memorial has stood proudly in front of the courthouse’s main entrance, a quiet yet powerful tribute to those who gave their lives in World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Unveiled during America’s Bicentennial Celebration, this memorial was a community effort led by the American Legion, the Hernando County Action ’76 Committee, and the Florida State Bicentennial Commission. Its inscription, “In loving memory of those who gave their lives in the service of their country,” captures the collective gratitude of a town with deep military roots. Set in the vibrant Courthouse Square, where festivals, farmers’ markets, and everyday moments unfold, the memorial is a touchstone for reflection. On Veterans Day, wreaths adorn its base; during annual events, families pause to honor those who didn’t return. Its broad embrace of four wars distinguishes it from other monuments, making it a unifying symbol of Brooksville’s commitment to honor all who served, connecting generations in a shared act of remembrance.

The Wall of Veterans, or Hernando County Veterans Roll of Honor, is a striking 9’ x 18’ granite wall near the courthouse, etched with the names of 1,088 residents who served in wartime. First dedicated on March 10, 1946, for 990 World War I and II veterans, it was reimagined in 1990 to honor even more heroes across decades. This monument, standing in the lively heart of Courthouse Square, celebrates all who served, whether they returned or not. On Memorial Day, families trace names; during the Christmas Tree Lighting, the wall stands watch as the community gathers. Its presence sparks stories—of grandparents at Normandy, neighbors in Vietnam—making it a bridge across generations. Unlike the War Memorial’s focus on those lost, the Wall of Veterans honors the breadth of service, embedding itself in Brooksville’s daily life as a symbol of pride for a county with a strong veteran community. It’s a place where history feels alive, inviting everyone to pause and connect.

Since June 3, 1916, the Confederate War Memorial has stood on the southwest corner of Courthouse Square, a quiet marker dedicated by the Brooksville Chapter No. 71 of the United Daughters of the Confederacy to honor local soldiers of the Civil War. It bears the inscriptions “C.S.A 1861-1865” and “Love Makes Memory Eternal,” reflecting Hernando County’s role in supplying the Confederacy during the 1864 Brooksville Raid.

Hernando Sun. (2021). Memorial to Fallen Heroes Unveiled. Retrieved from https://www.hernandosun.com/2021/01/22/memorial-fallen-heroes-unveiled/

Suncoast News. (2021). New Monument Outside Hernando County Courthouse Honors Local Servicemen. Retrieved from https://www.suncoastnews.com/news/new-monument-outside-hernando-county-courthouse-honors-local-servicemen/article_778ac306-60cd-11eb-85e6-87ad4d9c009e.html

Task Force Trinity. (n.d.). Lea Mills Biography. Retrieved from https://www.taskforcetrinity.com/biographies/lea-mills

Hernando Sun. (2023). Local Post Offices Honor Memory of Fallen Heroes. Retrieved from https://www.hernandosun.com/2023/11/11/local-post-offices-honor-memory-of-fallen-heroes/

Historical Marker Database. (2019). Hernando County War Memorial. Retrieved from https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=130139

Hernando County Supervisor of Elections. (n.d.). Vote in Honor of a Vet. Retrieved from https://www.hernandovotes.gov

Historical Marker Database. (2019). Hernando County Confederate Monument. Retrieved from https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=130138

Koenig, M. (2016). Bicentennial Madness of 1976. Retrieved from https://www.history.com/news/bicentennial-madness-1976

Florida World War II Heritage Trail. (2004). Florida’s Contribution to World War II. Retrieved from https://www.floridamemory.com/exhibits/ww2/

Tampa Bay Times. (2021). New Monument Outside Hernando County Courthouse Honors Fallen Servicemen. Retrieved from https://www.tampabay.com/news/hernando/2021/01/25/new-monument-outside-hernando-county-courthouse/

Museum of Florida History. (n.d.). Hernando County Veterans Roll of Honor. Retrieved from https://museumoffloridahistory.com

“History of Brooksville.” City of Brooksville. https://www.cityofbrooksville.us/our-community/history/

“Hernando County Courthouse.” Hernando Sun, March 10, 2017. https://www.hernandosun.com/hernando_county_courthouse

“Tension Grows in Brooksville over Confederate Memorial.” WFLA News, August 17, 2017. https://www.wfla.com/news/hernando-county/tension-grows-in-brooksville-over-confederate-memorial/

“Many Calling for Hernando County’s Confederate Memorial to Be Removed.” WTSP, June 10, 2020. https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hernandocounty/hernando-county-confederate-memorial/67-5b8d9e8f-7c9e-4b7d-9e7c-8e4d6f5b3c2d

“Brooksville Raid Reenactment.” Florida’s Adventure Coast. https://www.floridasadventurecoast.com/events/brooksville-raid-reenactment/