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

July 2

For The Love of Mangos

For the Love of Mangos will explore the relationship between Clarence and Vera's life and this much loved South Florida summertime fruit. The show will feature mango fun facts; a look at the story of Hamm’s original cultivars and his promotion of mango growing in the community.

This fun and festive outdoor event at the Historic House, at 1520 Polk Street in Hollywood, will be a family-friendly celebration of everything mango. It will include mango tastings, mango and recipe sharing, music, children's activities and a mango sale. Attendance is free, and tours are available of Hammerstein House.

July 3

Tai Chi and QiGong Class on Hollywood Beach

Relax and rejuvenate to practice Qi Gong and Tai Chi with Master Zen. At Hollywood Beach, the STAGE by Marga rataville Hotel. 11:00 am - Noon, 3601 N Ocean Drive, Hollywood. For more info call 786-222-9526.

July 4

4th of July Star-Spangled Spectacular on Hollywood Beach

All are welcome to celebrate our nation’s 247th birthday on Hollywood Beach on Monday, July 4, at the annual Star-Spangled Spectacular 4th of July Celebration. Sponsored by the City of Hollywood Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts and the Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency-Beach District, this annual event features musical entertainment beginning at 5:00

July 2

Dream Care Classic Car Show

Check out dozens of classic cars in downtown Hollywood or show off your own. Connoisseurs will be shining up their trucks, hot rods, European convertibles and muscle cars. 11:00- 3:00 in downtown Hollywood. For more info call 954-8251027 or email jbevsr@msn.com.

July 3

Food in Motion

Food In Motion Presents, Food Trucks at ArtsPark every first Monday of each month from 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM. Hosted at the ArtsPark at Young Circle. For more info, call 954-788-3467.

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 8

Hollywood Beach Sweep

Help keep Hollywood Beach beautiful by volunteering for the Hollywood Beach Sweep Clean-Up on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 7:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Charnow Park, 300 Connecticut Street and the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk. Register your vehicle tag by Wednesday, the week of the event, to secure your four hours parking with the Parking Department. Scan the QR code for more info.

July 15

Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk

The Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk is back! This monthly event is open to all. Explore all that downtown Hollywood has to offer:! Visit galleries and shops while enjoying art, cultural entertainment, live music, murals, and more! Artisan Market, 6pm-11pm; Mural Tour, 6pm-7pm; Gallery Tour, 7pm-8pm; Impulse Art - fusion of music and foot painting, 8pm-9pm. For more info visit www.floridashollywood.org/ ArtWalk.

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 9

Stirling Road Library 20th Birthday Celebration

Celebrate the library’s birthday at this festive event sponsored by the Friends of Stirling Library. Birthday cake will be served. Every child who visits during the event will receive a free raffle ticket for the chance to win a $25 Amazon Git Card. 10:30 till 2:45 pm, 3151 Stirling Road. For more info visit www.stirlingfriends.org.

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'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 954-712-2431 for info & register by scanning the QR Code above.