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 1

Family Films - Spiderman

Bring the whole family for FREE select viewings of hit movies throughout the summer. The Susan B. Katz Theater at the River of Grass Arts Park will show Spide-man: Into The Spider-Verse. Bitten by a radioactive spider in the subway, Brooklyn teenager Miles Morales suddenly develops mysterious powers that transform him into the one and only Spider-Man. When he meets Peter Parker, he soon realizes that there are many others who share his special, high-flying talents. The film starts at 10:00 am, 17195 Sheridan Street. For info, call 954-743-1799.

July 4

Independence Day Celebration

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 families. Gates to the Pines Recreation Center open at 5:00 pm with events 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm. 7400 Pines Blvd. For info call 954-392-2116.

July 6

LL Cool J

Don’t Call it a Comeback! Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, two-time Grammy Award-winning Hip-Hop icon, 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 9

Summer Symphony Series

The City of Pembroke Pines presents the Summer Symphony Series on Sunday, July 9th from 4-6pm at the Charles F. Dodge City Center. South Florida Symphony Brass Quartet performs a mix of patriotic, popular and classical selections. For more info, call 954-392-2122.

June 13

Summer Soiree @ The Frank

Join The Frank after hours and Embrace art, music, and tasty treats. Enjoy walking through the pages of Oliver Jeffers: 15 Years of Picturing Books! Free –Complimentary Refreshments and Hors D’Oeuvres. 6:00 - 8:00 pm. For more info, call 954-392-2120.

June 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 954-712-2431 for info and register by scanning the QR Code above.