Ceremony planned for Florida National Cemetery (Bushnell, FL)

The last time antiwar activists showed up at Florida National Cemetery, they were greeted by Veterans Affairs police and turned away.

This Saturday, things are expected to go differently, said Moore and Billy Murphy, director of operations for the cemetery.

The Nature Coast Coalition sponsor will hold what Moore called "a quiet ceremony" from noon to 1 p.m. at the cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Ave., Bushnell.

The vigil has been approved by cemetery officials, which was one of the problems last year when activists showed up, Murphy said Monday. Requests to hold services in the cemetery have to be made in writing, "no matter who the requests are coming from," Murphy said.

Moore said he also enlisted the help of the ACLU to help nudge the process along. He said cemetery officials had asked him to furnish a list of speakers and the nature of remarks. Moore declined the latter request, but still got the approval.

The group will not bring signs or banners, but will instead read the names of the U.S. personnel killed since the United States invaded Iraq. The cemetery does not conduct burials on Saturdays, he said.

"I think this was just a more bold act on our part, and at the risk of offending sensibilities, we felt we could conduct a vigil in a very respectful, civilized way," Moore said.

Murphy said he has no problem taking Moore at his word.

"We don't expect any issues," Murphy said. "I think his intent is to honor Iraq veterans."

Reporter Tony Marrero can be reached at 352-544-5286 or lmarrero@hernandotoday.com.