This Independence Day We Remember Our Heroes

As Independence Day approaches, we want to give a “shout out” to the 2.2 million men and women serving in the United States military. While we don’t see them often, it is reassuring to know that these brave people are across the globe serving their country.

It is a little-known fact that our Navy, Army, and Marine Corps are older than the country itself. The Continental Congress formed all three service branches after hostilities began against England in 1775. In fact, the very first military unit of the United States was essentially a bunch of farmers.

The “shot heard round the world” at the Battle of Lexington and Concord occurred 15 months before the Second Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The battle was fought by local militia members known as Minutemen. They were mostly farmers, tradesmen, and ordinary citizens who took up arms to defend their rights and resist British forces. They were also the beginning of what would become the most powerful force in human history.

The minutemen were quite the rag-tag group. Each man (they were all men then) brought his own musket, clothing, and gear. They elected their Captain, John Parker, who famously said, “Stand your ground. Don’t fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here.”

The minutemen have few similarities to today’s high-tech and highly disciplined armed forces. Today’s forces, however, do hold the same values of selflessness, honor, loyalty, duty, patriotism, and courage that those few hundred men from Massachusetts held 247 years ago.

With the war in Ukraine, violence in the Balkans, and increasing tensions with China, today’s service members are asked to deal with complex situations in distant lands. About 173,000 people are serving abroad, and about 50,000 Marines and Sailors are at sea. When you grab a cold one this July 4th, raise your glass to the minutemen and today’s Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, Coast Guardsman, and Guardians.

Happy Independence Day!

Christy & Terry Jaillet

OUR CITY MEDIA PUBLISHERS

July 4

Fourth of July Hometown

Celebration 5K Run/Walk

Gather your family and friends and join the race this Independence Day holiday. It’s hot and humid in South Florida in July, but we are prepared! Race participants always enjoy the popular “hook and ladder shower” at the finish line where race participants will enjoy cooling off. This year’s race is sponsored by the City of Weston and the Weston YMCA Family Center. Race starts at 7:15 am. Scan the QR code to register, or register at the event. For more info call 954-385-2000.

July 6

LL Cool J

Don’t Call it a Comeback! He’s been here for years… Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, two-time Grammy Award-winning Hip-Hop icon, Kennedy Center Honoree, recording artist, actor, author, NAACP Image Award winner, entrepreneur, philanthropist and founder and CEO of “Rock The Bells,” LL COOL J has created one of the most multifaceted careers and brands in entertainment and continues to display his wide range of talents with every project. See him at the Hard Rock Hotel. Show starts at 8:00 pm. Scan the QR code to register or learn more.

July 21

Sounds of the Town

The Town of Davie is bringing back its outdoor Sounds of the Town concert series featuring live music from local bands. Concerts will be held on a select Friday of every month, January through July, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Bamford Sports Complex, 3801 S. Pine Island Road. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets and arrive early to secure their spots and purchase items from the onsite food trucks. Pets are not permitted in the park.

July 22

The Salvation Army of Broward County’s Kettle Krush 5K at Markham Park

July 4

Town of Davie - Fun on the 4th

The Town of Davie invites everyone to Bamford Sports Complex for an evening of music, rides, kids activities, food trucks and more, with a grand finale of incredible fireworks. The FREE event is open to all Davie families. Gates open at 5:00 pm with events 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm. Personal fireworks & alcohol are not permitted. Registration required. Register by scanning the QR code.

JULY 15-16

Nature POP®! Art Weekend at Flamingo Gardens

This event will showcase art and the animals of the Nature POP®! Exhibit by Sean Kenney. Watch Plein Air and Chalk Artists create beautiful works before your eyes and kids can design their own chalk art masterpieces on the sidewalk and in the Art Reaching Today’s Kids Art Bus. Hosted at Flamingo Gardens., 9:30 am - 5:00pm. For more info, visit www. flamingogardens.org or call 954-473-2955.

Same reason, different season! Whether it’s traditional bells in our hands or on your feet. The Salvation Army of Broward County invites you make some pre-Christmas noise this summer while you run, walk or roll to “krush” poverty and homelessness at its Kettle Krush 5K. Call 954712-2431 for info and register by scanning the QR Code above.

July 29

Tea with Barbie

Put on your prettiest dress and bring mom and your friends to join Barbie and her friends for tea and fun! The fun and festive event will feature a performance by the South Florida Cloggers. Take pictures, get autographs and have fun! $25 per person-ages 3 & up. (2 & under no charge-seated on lap) Save $5 per ticket by becoming a member today! Call or email for more information. 954.797.1044 events@olddavieschool. org. Scan QR code for more info.