August 7 - Purple Heart Day. Remembering America's Veterans - special recognition for Purple Heart recipients

Palmetto Bay became the first South Florida "Purple Heart City" in 2016 - as per resolution 2016-40 that I was proud to sponsor as Mayor of Palmetto Bay.  It remains important to continue this recognition.

This is a national day of recognition. Purple Heart Day is observed on August 7 each year and is a time for Americans to pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who were either wounded on the battlefield or paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives.

See Channel 10 News online: Palmetto Bay becomes first Purple Heart city in South Florida - Flag-raising ceremony held to commemorate honor, By Peter Burke - Local 10.com Managing Editor, posted: 1:22 PM, August 10, 2016.

See prior related post of August 12, 2016, Recognizing our Purple Heart Awardees. Palmetto Bay is now a Purple Heart City! where there are additional photos from this 2016 event

CLICK HERE to view other related posts recognizing our Veterans for their service.

August 7 - Purple Heart Day. Remembering America's Veterans - special recognition for Purple Heart recipients

Palmetto Bay became the first South Florida "Purple Heart City" in 2016 - as per resolution 2016-40 that I was proud to sponsor as Mayor of Palmetto Bay.  It remains important to continue this recognition.

This is a national day of recognition. Purple Heart Day is observed on August 7 each year and is a time for Americans to pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who were either wounded on the battlefield or paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives.

See Channel 10 News online: Palmetto Bay becomes first Purple Heart city in South Florida - Flag-raising ceremony held to commemorate honor, By Peter Burke - Local 10.com Managing Editor, posted: 1:22 PM, August 10, 2016.

See prior related post of August 12, 2016, Recognizing our Purple Heart Awardees. Palmetto Bay is now a Purple Heart City! where there are additional photos from this 2016 event

CLICK HERE to view other related posts recognizing our Veterans for their service.

Our condolences. We mourn the passing of Hershel “Woody” Williams – last surviving Metal of Honor recipient from WWII

The last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from World War II has passed on from this life at 98 years old. Palmetto Bay was honored with his participation in our Veterans Park project. October 15, 2016, was officially proclaimed as Hershel Woodrow "Woody" Williams Day in Palmetto Bay.

Thank you for your service to our country US Marine Williams. May you rest in peace. 

US Marine veteran Hershel “Woody” Williams died Wednesday at 3:15 a.m. at the Huntington, West Virginia, Veterans Affairs hospital named after him, according to a statement from his foundation. See: Marine Times, June 29, 2022, Last surviving WW2 Medal of Honor recipient Woody Williams dies at 98, by Andrea Scott

I will remember my time with him here in Palmetto Bay, the American Legion, Post 133, here in Palmetto Bay involved US Marine Williams in our Veterans Park project.  See October 16, 2016, Oct 15, 2016. Palmetto Bay is honored to host Hershel Woodrow "Woody" Williams and Gold Star Families

The Village of Palmetto Bay has been working with the members of the American Legion Marlin Moore Post #133 to create a Veterans Park/Gold Star Family Memorial Monument. This event featured a presentation by Hershel Woodrow (”Woody”) Williams, the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from Iwo Jima.  October 15, 2016, was officially proclaimed as Hershel Woodrow "Woody" Williams Day in Palmetto Bay.

Thank you US Marine Williams for your service, both during WWII as well as your continuous service thereafter in your efforts in regard to Gold Star Families.  Words cannot express our thoughts and thanks to the surviving family and friends of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of our country.  

I will work to see that Palmetto Bay does keep its promises and completes a Veterans Park worthy of your participation Marine Williams! 

Veterans Day 2020 – We recognize and thank those who have served our country in the armed forces.

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and thank all US Military veterans for their service to our country. Everyone should take a moment to honor those who have preserved our freedom and protected all of our rights, including the right to vote. Veterans Day is a holiday honoring living military veterans. It is both a Federal holiday and is also recognized and observed by all 50 states.

History:  President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed Armistice Day on November 11, 1919. Other countries today also still recognize November 11th as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in honor of the Armistice treaty which ended WWI. The U.S Congress amended this act on November 8, 1954, making this holiday Veterans Day as we know it today.

Recommended reading: Military dot com article, The History of Veterans Day

Thank you to every person who has served our county as a member of our armed forces as well as their families who give up so much to protect our freedom.

Remembering America's Veterans - those who earned the Purple Heart.

Important memories and celebrations that should be recognized at home, if we cannot safely join together during this pandemic. 

Palmetto Bay became a "Purple Heart City" as per resolution 2016-40 that I was proud to sponsor as Mayor of Palmetto Bay. 

This is a national day of recognition. Purple Heart Day is observed on August 7 each year and is a time for Americans to pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who were either wounded on the battlefield or paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives.

See Channel 10 News online: Palmetto Bay becomes first Purple Heart city in South Florida - Flag-raising ceremony held to commemorate honor, By Peter Burke - Local 10.com Managing Editor, posted: 1:22 PM, August 10, 2016.

Pictured above: Palmetto Bay's initial Purple Heart event at the local American Legion Post 133

See prior related post of August 12, 2016, Recognizing our Purple Heart Awardees. Palmetto Bay is now a Purple Heart City! where there are additional photos from this 2016 event

CLICK HERE to view other related posts recognizing our Veterans for their service.

Veterans Day 2019 - Thank you to those (and their families) who serve our country.

Thank you to those who answered the call to serve.

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and thank all US Military veterans for their service to our country. Today, Monday, Nov 11, 2019, everyone should take a moment to honor those who have preserved our freedom and protected all of our rights, including the right to vote. Veterans Day is a holiday honoring living military veterans. It is a Federal and State holiday observed by all states.

HISTORY: President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed Armistice Day on November 11, 1919. Other countries today also still recognize November 11th as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in honor of the Armistice treaty which ended WWI. The U.S Congress amended this act on November 8, 1954, making this holiday Veterans Day as we know it today.

HOW TO HONOR: Military dot com list ways that you can celebrate and educate your children about Veterans Day:  http://www.military.com/veterans-day/celebrate-veterans-day.html

History dot com offers a wealth of information about Veteran’s Day:  http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/veterans-day-facts

Please see a prior post: Recognizing Purple Heart Awardees:  August 12, 2016, Recognizing our Purple Heart Awardees. Palmetto Bay is now a Purple Heart City!  This special day was made even more special in Palmetto Bay as we became a recognized "Purple Heart City" -

Happy Veterans Day 2018 - Thank you to those (and their families) who have served our country.

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and thank all US Military veterans for their service to our country. Everyone should take a moment to honor those who have preserved our freedom and protected all of our rights, including the right to vote. Veterans Day is a holiday honoring living military veterans. It is a Federal and State holiday observed by all states.

President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed Armistice Day on November 11, 1919. Other countries today also still recognize November 11th as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in honor of the Armistice treaty which ended WWI. The U.S Congress amended this act on November 8, 1954, making this holiday Veterans Day as we know it today.  

Military dot com list ways that you can celebrate and educate your children about Veterans Day: http://www.military.com/veterans-day/celebrate-veterans-day.html

History dot com offers a wealth of information about Veteran’s Day: http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/veterans-day-facts

Thank you to every man and women who has served our county as a member of our armed forces.

Memorial Day - 2018. All patriotic members of our community are cordially invited to attend the Annual Memorial Day Ceremony honoring our departed sister and brother veterans on May 28 at Marlin Moore Post #133, 16401 SW 90th Avenue

Monday, May 28, 2018 - the day we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom.

We owe our peace and democracy to them. Please observe a minute of silence at 3:00pm local time to pay tribute to Americans who've died in military service.

YOU ARE INVITED - to remember Memorial Day Monday, May 28, at the American Legion Marlin Moore Post #133, Village of Palmetto Bay. All patriotic members of our community are cordially invited to attend the Annual Memorial Day Ceremony  honoring our departed sister and brother veterans on May 28 at Marlin Moore Post #133, 16401 SW 90th Avenue. 

Coffee and donuts will be served from 10:00 am.  The Ceremony will begin at 11:00 am. After the service there will be a complementary cookout. 

Please feel free to stop by and thank a veteran.

  
Visit USA.gov's Memorial Day page to learn about the origins of this federal holiday; read veterans' stories; find patriotic songs; get tips on barbecue, boating, and swimming safety; and more!Brief History:  

BRIEF HISTORY:  The first Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868, by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic. 

Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery each year with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. Traditionally, the President or Vice President lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The occasion is also marked in almost every State on the last Monday in May. 

Congress established the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m., local time, on Memorial Day, asking Americans wherever they are to pause in an act of national unity. The Moment does not replace traditional Memorial Day events; rather it is an act of national unity in which all Americans, alone or with family and friends, honor those who died for our freedom.  

The flag should be flown at half staff until noon on this Memorial Day on all buildings, grounds and naval vessels throughout the United States, and in all areas under its jurisdiction and control. All people of the United States are requested to display the flag at half-staff from their homes for the customary period.

__________

The Remembrance Poppy and the Poem, "In Flanders Field"

“In Flanders Fields" was written on May 3, 1915 by Lt. Col. John McCrae who was a physician, poet, author, artist and soldier serving in World I. Flanders is a region of Europe that comprises parts of Belgium and France. This poem resulted in the remembrancepoppy becoming one of the world's most recognized memorial symbols for soldiers who have died in conflict.

This poem can be found online at http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/flanders.htm

In Flanders Fields

By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

_______

Questions about how and when to properly display the US Flag? One of many online resources:http://www.afa.org/members/uscode.asp

Our Vets Matter. Palmetto Bay / American Legion hold 94th Birthday Breakfast Celebration for US Veteran Jim Ross

Sunday, February 25, 2018, was a great, patriotic, morning as we celebrated the 94th Birthday of US Veteran Jim Ross.

I want to thank the members of the American Legion, Marlin Moore, Post 133 who collaborated with Council Member David Singer and the entire Village Council to hold a special birthday celebration for Jim Ross, a veteran who served our country on his 94th birthday.

It was my honor as Mayor to present a proclamation to him recognizing Sunday, February 25, 2018, as "US Veteran Jim Ross Day in honor of his 94th Birthday" - as our way of officially thanking and recognizing his outstanding achievements, including service in the US Armed Forces in time of War.

It was in honor of Veteran Ross that the Village sponsored the cost of the Sunday, 2/25 breakfast for the first 30 veterans who reside in Palmetto Bay in attendance. This was a small gesture of thanks given their service to our country.

 

I also want to publicly acknowledge and thank Council Member Singer and his family (along with Laurel Auberbacher, who prepare breakfast at every other Sunday at the American Legion (breakfast is served every Sunday), which serves as a fund raider for the Post expenses.  

Breakfast runs in the $5-6 range. Breakfast, open to the public, runs on Sunday and is open it the public from 8:30 AM to 10 AM.   

Please take the time to go our, enjoy a local breakfast and support our American Legion.

  

Greeting the American Legion Department of Florida State Commander Steve Shuga at Marlin Moore Post 133, Palmetto Bay

The State Commander visited Marlin Moore Post 133 in Palmetto Bay on Sunday, December 17, 2017. I was honored to participate in an official meeting with the State leadership of The American Legion Department of Florida, including State Commander Steve Shuga and other State Officers of the American Legion who were also in attendance.

 Department 1st Vice Commander, Dianne Boland, Department Commander, Steve Shuga

State officers included (above) Department National Executive Committeeman, Dennis Boland, Department 1st Vice Commander, Dianne Boland, Department Commander, Steve Shuga, Department Membership Chairman, Fred Matthews

I was pleased to discuss our Veterans' activities and plans including the Palmer Settlement that resulted in our now annual Veterans' Breakfast and the ongoing planning for our exciting Heroes / Veterans' Park - See related post of October 16, 2016, Palmetto Bay is honored to host Hershel Woodrow "Woody" Williams and Gold Star Families

I am pleased to great such outstanding dignitaries such as the State of Florida American Legion Officers. 

Welcome to Palmetto Bay!

We are working with our Veterans groups and there are many more exciting opportunities for our Palmetto Bay community to work with our local American Legion Post.

76 Years since the surprise attack at Pearl Harbor. Franklin Delano Roosevelt - Pearl Harbor Address

76 years ago today. December 7, 1941. "A day which will live in infamy." Please take a moment to reflect on this day and remember those who still survived this Day and those who gave up their lives in service of our Country.

Happy Veterans Day 2017 - Thank you to those (and their families) who have served/are presently serving our country.

Thank you to those who answered the call to serve.

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and thank all US Military veterans for their service to our country. Today, Saturday, Nov 11, 2017, everyone should take a moment to honor those who have preserved our freedom and protected all of our rights, including the right to vote. Veterans Day is a holiday honoring living military veterans. It is a Federal and State holiday observed by all states.

President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed Armistice Day on November 11, 1919. Other countries today also still recognize November 11th as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in honor of the Armistice treaty which ended WWI. The U.S Congress amended this act on November 8, 1954, making this holiday Veterans Day as we know it today. 

Military dot com list ways that you can celebrate and educate your children about Veterans Day:  http://www.military.com/veterans-day/celebrate-veterans-day.html

History dot com offers a wealth of information about Veteran’s Day:  http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/veterans-day-facts

Please see a prior post: Recognizing Purple Heart Awardees:  August 12, 2016, Recognizing our Purple Heart Awardees. Palmetto Bay is now a Purple Heart City!  This special day was made even more special in Palmetto Bay as we became a recognized "Purple Heart City" -

South Florida Honor Flight - Saturday, September 23rd! - Ft. Lauderdale - Hollywood International Airport.

Show your support to our Veterans.  Ft. Lauderdale - Hollywood International Airport.

South Florida Honor Flight was rescheduled for Saturday, September 23rd due to Hurricane Irma.

WELCOME HOME 144 veteran heroes spanning multiple generations: WWII, Korea and their guardians, all of whom are Vietnam vets. They will arrive into Terminal 2 at Fort Lauderdale, at approximately 830pm.

See info on the embedded flyers.

Be sure to arrive early to get a good spot on the parade route! Wear your red, white and blue and be part of an experience that will touch you! Be a special part of the end to an incredible day for these American heroes!


#honorflightsouthflorida

CLICK HERE to view the official Facebook page.

Remembering the events of the Pearl Harbor attack - 75 years later. Franklin Delano Roosevelt - Pearl Harbor Address

75 years ago today. December 7, 1941. "A day which will live in infamy." Please take a moment to reflect on this day and remember those who still survived this Day and those who gave up their lives in service of our Country.

Happy Veterans Day 2016 - Thank you to those (and their families) who have served our country.

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and thank all US Military veterans for their service to our country. This Friday, everyone should take a moment to honor those who have preserved our freedom and protected all of our rights, including the right to vote. Veterans Day is a holiday honoring living military veterans. It is a Federal and State holiday observed by all states.

President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed Armistice Day on November 11, 1919. Other countries today also still recognize November 11th as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in honor of the Armistice treaty which ended WWI. The U.S Congress amended this act on November 8, 1954, making this holiday Veterans Day as we know it today. 

Military dot com list ways that you can celebrate and educate your children about Veterans Day:  http://www.military.com/veterans-day/celebrate-veterans-day.html

History dot com offers a wealth of information about Veteran’s Day:  http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/veterans-day-facts

Thank you to every man and women who has served our county as a member of our armed forces.  2016 has been big in Palmetto Bay for our Veterans - but we are working to make EVERY year as big for our Veterans.

Palmetto Bay's Veteran Park - with a very special guest: Work has continued on our Veterans Park - not only have we had an official visit from Hershel Woodrow (”Woody”) Williams, who is the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from Iwo Jima, as the honored guest speaker at our October 15, dedication of Palmetto Bay's Veterans Park and the First Gold Star Family Memorial Monument dedication where I officially proclaimed the day, October 15, 2016, as Hershel Woodrow "Woody" Williams Day in Palmetto Bay. 

Recognizing Purple Heart Awardees:  see my prior post of  August 12, 2016, Recognizing our Purple Heart Awardees. Palmetto Bay is now a Purple Heart City!  This special day was made even more special in Palmetto Bay as we became a recognized "Purple Heart City" -

 We have a special "Thank You" set for 2016 Veterans Day - A special breakfast for Veterans and their families hosted by Palmer Trinity School.

Thank you Veterans - the Men & Women who have served - and thank you for their support group - their parents, siblings and extended family - their own spouses and children.