Mayor Hayward Accepts Award on Behalf of Bernardo de Gálvez

Mayor Ashton Hayward and Honorary Vice Consul to Spain, Maria Davis accepted one of the State of Florida’s highest awards on behalf of Revolutionary War Hero and Pensacola historical figure Bernardo de Gálvez last week.

Governor Rick Scott and Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner presented the award in Tallahassee on March 22.

Bernardo de Gálvez was a highly decorated Spanish military leader, served as Governor of Louisiana in 1777, and in the fall of 1779, began an eastward campaign originated in New Orleans to drive British forces from the Mississippi River Valley and from the Gulf Coast. After taking Baton Rouge, Natchez and Mobile, Gálvez set his sights on Pensacola, a vital port and British stronghold on the Gulf Coast.

Hayward said he was honored to accept the 2012 Great Floridian Award on behalf of Gálvez.

“As a proud Pensacolian, it is a privilege to represent the Gálvez family and his legacy in accepting this award,” said Hayward.

The Great Floridian Program is designed to recognize and record the achievements of Floridians, living and deceased, who have made major contributions to the progress and welfare of this state.  Nominations are presented to the Governor, who passes along his top pick to the Secretary of State for final designation.

Gálvez joins other Great Floridians including inventor Thomas Edison, former U.S. Senator Bob Graham, and Publix founder George Washington Jenkins.