Patriotism is running high. Let’s get ready for Fourth of July
BOCA RATON – This is a very patriotic time of year in America.
First, there was Memorial Day when we prayed and remembered the soldiers who gave their lives to keep the United States free.
Then came June 6, the anniversary of D-Day, when many brave American soldiers invaded the beaches of Normandy to push the Nazis out of France and to cripple their war machine.
Barely a week later, on June 14, came Flag Day, when we honored Old Glory and how it came to be the symbol of American freedom, honor and courage. Francis Scott Key penned the lyrics to the National Anthem after seeing the flag still waving above Fort McHenry following the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812.
The theme wraps up in a couple of weeks when we all celebrate Independence Day – the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Since that day in the late 1700s, many other countries have signed their own documents of freedom and declared themselves as free nations. But the United States was first to unite under a declaration that guaranteed the right of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
Independence Day will be honored in Boca Raton and West Boca on July 4. In Boca, the city, again working in conjunction with Florida Atlantic University, will sponsor a list of special activities starting at 6 p.m. on the FAU campus.
In the FAU Theater, ZMC Entertainment will present the stage show, “America the Beautiful” starting at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks will follow at 9 p.m.
Sunset Cove Amphitheater, 12551 Glades Road, is the site of West Boca’s celebration, beginning at 6:30 p.m. on the Fourth of July.
The fun starts with a concert by Soul Survivors performing hits from the ’40s to today! Soul Survivors is a nine- piece band that has wowed audiences in South Florida fortyears.
Following the concert, stay for an amazing fireworks display set to music and performed by Zambelli Fireworks.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Parking and admission are free. Picnic baskets and lawn chairs are welcome. A few vendors will be onsite. No pets, BBQs or personal fireworks.
Another festive time at Gallery 22
Stand by for another wonderful event at Yaacov Heller’s Gallery 22 at 282 Via Naranjas, Boca Raton.
On July 3, he will also be cranking up visitors’ patriotic spirit with a guest appearance by Boca favorite Carol Connors.
Songwriter/singer Connors will be in attendance, fresh from an appearance at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. where she is to sing “America, the Beautiful” and also lead a 117-piece orchestra in a performance of the theme from the movie, “Rocky,” which she co-wrote.
She was to be down in Key Largo a few days later where she is to dive into the ocean wearing a Statue of Liberty outfit. Both of these events benefit the Wounded Warriors Trust. So, also, will the get-together at Yaacov’s gallery.
While in Boca, Carol will perform and “Pass the Torch” to up and coming singer/songwriter Brett Loewenstern, who was one of the top 24 finalists during the 2011 season of “American Idol.”
Yaacov will also be showing off his new “Celebrity Portrait Series.”
It’s a wonderful time to enjoy a warm summer evening in a serene surrounding, Yaacov’s sculpture garden.
Ethics under fire
This is an issue I’ll mention now, but it’s going to require a lot of follow-up;
City Councilwoman Constance Scott said the County Commission has adopted a new law that will bring all elected officials in cities and towns under the same ethics laws that apply to commissioners.
This seems like an unnecessary step. Constance said it will mean that council members will have to restrict their appearance at nonprofit events – possibly cutting them out completely.
Boca city officials have never had a problem with ethics. To make such a regulation is just wrong.
And this isn’t the last you’ve heard about this.
