Article by Keith Breedlove
On Saturday, March 29, the City of Groveland celebrated its annual Founders Day, but this time, the event took on a special significance. Departing from tradition, the festivities began with speeches and a meal at the recently restored Oak Tree Union Colored Cemetery. In attendance were the mayor, his council, and descendants of the founders of Groveland, once called Taylorville. Among the crowd was Mr. Michael Jaycox, Vice Commander of The Trilogy of Orlando Veterans Association (TOVA), who came to pay respect to the ten World War I veterans buried there. During the occasion, he had a discreet conversation with Groveland’s Fire Chief, Kevin Carroll, the driving force behind the cemetery’s transformation. When Carroll first encountered the site, it was overgrown and unreachable by vehicle or foot.
TOVA has a standing commitment to honor veterans, visiting Bushnell National Cemetery biannually to place flags on Memorial Day and wreaths during the Christmas season. On this day, though, Mr. Jaycox’s purpose wasn’t to make a grand statement. Instead, he quietly shared with Chief Carroll that TOVA volunteers would now extend their tribute to the Oak Tree Union Colored Cemetery, ensuring these valiant soldiers receive the same ongoing recognition.
Please follow this link for further information at https://groveland-fl.gov/709/Restoration-of-the-Oak-Tree- Union-Colore
