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

4th of July Spectacular

Celebrate America's Independence Day at the City of Fort Lauderdale's free 4th of July Spectacular featuring headliner Flo Rida! The Celebration will feature a patriotic extravaganza in Las Olas Oceanside Park and on Fort Lauderdale Beach featuring live bands, a kids zone, beach games, contests, family activities, and a dazzling fireworks display.

July 1

Saturday MKT

The Las Olas Oceanside Park Farmers and Artisan Market takes place every Saturday from 9 am – 5 pm. Shop local and micro-vendors featuring an eclectic array of traditional market fare and delight in a fine selection of fresh produce, cheese, baked items, plants, handmade goods, jewelry, and more. For more info scan the QR code.

The kids zone provides nonstop energy and excitement with plenty of music, inflatable water slides, face painting, and a variety of other amusing beach games. The adults can also enjoy or partake in an old-fashioned hot dog and apple pie eating contests. As the sun goes down, the celebration heats up with live music and entertainment. The City’s spectacular 23-minute fireworks show on Fort Lauderdale Beach begins at 8:45 p.m. For info, scan the QR code.

July 6

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 7

Starlight Musicals

Each summer, Starlight Musicals concert series is a favorite for all! The series features an exciting lineup of bands covering pop, country, rhythm and blues, tropical rock, and more. The show takes place on the football field at Holiday Park, which is located at East Sunrise Boulevard and Federal Highway. Residents and visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, picnic baskets, and coolers. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase. This show will feature The Brass Evolution, a “Rockin’ Horn Band” playing tunes from the likes of Toto, James Brown, Steely Dan and more. Shows start at 7:00 pm. For more info, scan the QR code.

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 8

Fort Lauderdale Beach Sweep

Help keep Fort Lauderdale Beach beautiful by volunteering for the Fort Lauderdale Beach Sweep. Fort Lauderdale Beach Sweep is held the second Saturday of every month, from 7am - 11am at The Hub, 300 S Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., at the intersection of E Las Olas Blvd. and A1A North. Scan the QR code to learn more or sign up.

July 18

Turtle Walk

Your adventure begins at the Museum of Discovery and Science with a presentation about turtles and then continues at Fort Lauderdale Beach where a Museum expert guides you to sea turtle nesting grounds. We can’t guarantee a nesting sea turtle will be spotted on every walk, but when it happens, it’s a natural wonder you will never forget!

8:00 pm - 1:00 am at the Museum of Discovery and Science, 401 SW 2nd Street. Scan the QR code for tickets and additional dates

July 22

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

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 954-7122431 for info and register by scanning the QR Code above.

Food in Motion

Join local artisans, farmers, and food trucks on the second Friday of each month at Peter Feldman Park from 6-11pm. The event features Artisan Food Market, Fresh Produce, Food Trucks, Live Music, Vegan Options, Gourmet Baked Goods, Locally Made Products & More. Hosted at Peter Feldman Park, 310 NE 6th Street. For more info, email flaglerfoodinmotion@gmail.com.

JULY 21-23

Rolling Loud

The largest hip-hop festival in the world is a three-day event that started in Miami, Florida. Some of the biggest names in the business have already played this newcomer to the Florida festival scene including Kendrick Lamar, Future, Lil Wayne, A$AP Rocky, Travis Scott, Young Thug, Lil B, Post Malone, Migos, Kodak Black, Lil Uzi Vert, 21 Savage, Lil Yachty, and more. Hosted at Hard Rock Stadium. Scan the QR Code for more info or tickets.

July 28

Movies By Moonlight

Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and favorite movie date every final Friday, June – August for Movies by Moonlight “Dog Days of Summer” Series on the Main Lawn at Las Olas Oceanside Park. Family and Pet Friendly. This month’s film is Megan Leavey, The true life story of a young Marine corporal whose unique discipline and bond with a military combat dog saved many lives during her deployment in Iraq. Showing takes place on the green at Las Olas Oceanside Park at 8:15 pm. For more info, scan the QR code.

July 15

Oceanside Yoga Flow

Join us every Saturday from 9 am – 10:15 for Yoga Flow for every Body on the main lawn, led by leading Yoga Educator Lisa Pumper & team of the Yoga Community of Florida & Fort Lauderdale Beach Yoga. Bring a mat, a water bottle, and a positive attitude. Registration is required; scan the QR code to register!