A desire to know more about the U.S. Constitution drew a sellout crowd to the Jacksonville’s VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena last Saturday.
Paying tribute to military veterans and first responders for their commitment to defending the U.S. Constitution was one of the reasons cited by those attending the event sponsored by the We Can Be Heroes Foundation in recognition of National Constitution week, which runs through Sept. 23.
Just days prior, social media was flooded with reminders of those who lost their lives in the 9/11 tragedy as well as the assassination of activist Charlie Kirk.
Two circular wreaths adorned with red, white, and blue flowers honoring Kirk’s memory were placed by the podium in the packed room. The wreaths, symbolizing eternal life and enduring love, paid tribute to a man known for being a champion of open debate on political issues, and for his devotion to the Constitution and Christianity.
Beth Heath, founder and president of the We Can Be Heros Foundation, opened the program by telling the audience that the story of America is about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Those words resonated with those like veteran Larry Quinnett, who said he attended the event because he wanted to know more about the focus of the constitution.
“I don’t consider myself a joiner of groups, but I like the idea of being connected to an organization that sponsors such events that focus on the founders of this country and the writers of the constitution,” Quinnett said. “I have served in the Navy, the Army, and the Air Force, so I am committed to supporting this nation’s constitution.”
The commitment to the constitution expressed by Quinnett is what the event’s featured speaker, Navy veteran Ken Wood, has been advocating for years.
“I am concerned about the total lack of emphasis on the Constitution that exists today,” Wood said. “There should be more importance placed on understanding the Constitution and our history that is built on freedom, but today we are left to do our own research on our own personal freedom and the law of the land.”
Wood’s presentation, “The Constitution is Part of My Uniform,” reflected 30 years of studying the document that is the fundamental law of this country and guarantees the rights of the people it governs. At the end, his address received resounding applause from the audience.
Navy veteran Patrick Taylor, in a press release about the event, described Wood as a powerhouse of constitutional knowledge: “He was able to show how the U.S. Constitution is the answer to many of the current issues plaguing our society today.”
Three veterans, Ray Morton, Bob Johnson, and Ryman Shoaf, received hero awards for exceptional service. Morton, an Army veteran, was recognized for his defense program contributions and constitutional expertise. Johnson, an Air Force veteran, was honored for his fundraising efforts benefiting veterans and children, and retired Navy Capt. Shoaf was presented the 2025 Patriots Choice Award for Leadership and volunteerism.
The We Can Be Heroes Foundation, based in Jacksonville, is a volunteer-run nonprofit organization that hosts tributes and educational forums, and offers directories for businesses and speakers aligned with patriotic values.
