Photo: Wolterk / iStock / Getty Images
Pensacola, FL - In a tribute to the victims of the 2019 Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola shooting, Governor Ron DeSantis has directed that flags across Florida be flown at half-staff on Friday, marking the fifth anniversary of the shooting.
On December 6, 2019, a Saudi Arabian aviation student opened fire at NAS Pensacola, resulting in the deaths of three U.S. Navy sailors and injuries to eight others.
The Department of Justice later classified the incident as a terrorist attack.
The fallen sailors were Ensign Joshua Kaleb Watson, 23; Airman Mohammed Sameh Haitham, 19; and Airman Apprentice Cameron Scott Walters, 21.
FloridaPolitics.com reports that Governor DeSantis' proclamation designates December 6 as "Naval Air Station Pensacola Remembrance Day," emphasizing Florida's enduring gratitude to its military personnel.
He stated, "Florida owes a debt of gratitude to our military men and women who selflessly put their lives on the line to protect and defend the values our nation holds dear."
The directive mandates that flags be lowered from sunrise to sunset at all local and state buildings, installations, and grounds throughout Florida.
This act serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by service members and the importance of honoring their memory.
The NAS Pensacola shooting underscored the critical need for vigilance against threats to national security.
In the aftermath, Florida's law enforcement and first responders were commended for their bravery and swift action, which undoubtedly saved lives during the crisis.
As the state observes this day of remembrance, communities are encouraged to reflect on the heroism displayed and to support the families affected by this tragedy.
The collective memory of such events reinforces the commitment to safeguarding the nation and upholding the values for which these sailors valiantly stood.