Gainesville talk of the nation

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Gainesville residents line downtown streets to salute Medal of Honor recipients each year when they gather in Gainesville. Patriotism runs high during Medal of Honor Week. File photo

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July 20, 2012

Gainesville talk of the nation

'Most Patriotic Small Town' moniker puts city on maps, television

Staff Report Gainesville Daily Register The Daily Register Fri Jul 20, 2012, 08:44 AM CDT

Gainesville — The city of Gainesville is generating a jag of national publicity following its title of “Most Patriotic Small Town in America.”

This morning’s episode of The Today Show will feature Gainesville, plus information about its recent victory in the “Best of the Road” contest, where two judges visited the city and named it “most patriotic” out of a national finalist list of six communities. The contest was initially sponsored by Rand McNally and USA Today, and as a winner, Gainesville will receive placement in both the magazine and in Rand McNally atlas publications.

In a spotlight article now available at USAToday.com, visiting judges Sandi McKenna and Rick Griffin explained why they chose Gainesville following a tour on July 2-3.

The decision, they said, was based partially on the city’s ongoing Medal of Honor Host City program, which hosts and tributes Medal of Honor recipients on an annual basis.

“It changed our definition of patriotism,” the story quoted the judges. “It's not just the number of flags or monuments, memorials or programs; it's not even just for the people who serve. It's how you care for the people who were fought for.”

Gainesville was only one of several cities given awards after being declared “the most” in categories including patriotism, food, friendliness, fun and beauty of the location. The “Best of the Road” contest included a process where hundreds of towns were cited during online voting, but only a select group of around 30 were chosen in those categories. A Travel Channel special — also called “Best of the Road” — is set for Wednesday, July 25.

The hour-long special chronicles the nationwide tour that began June 15, with several teams of judges departing from Washington, D.C. with personalized road maps. The special shows how during the next month, each team traveled a different route across the country in search of the “Most Fun,” “Most Patriotic,” “Most Beautiful,” “Best for Food” and “Friendliest Town in America,” based on the short lists of finalists.

“This special will put our viewers in the driver's seat as they take this unprecedented journey alongside three of the teams participating in this cross country adventure,” a media release quoted Andy Singer of the Travel Channel. “We are thrilled to hitch a ride on this road trip and explore and celebrate America's best small town destinations.”

More information about Gainesville highlights is available at www.gainesvillecofc.com, or by calling the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce at (940) 665-2831. More information about Gainesville’s contest victory is available at www.bestoftheroad.com.