America has a big milestone coming up this weekend, and The Breeze has readers covered with everything they need to know about local events, as well as a commemorative section.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Breeze Newspapers\u2019 \u201cAmerica 250\u201d series rolled out over the last 10 weeks and concludes with a special section in today\u2019s weekend edition.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The series included weekly Voices of Valor \u2014 nearly three dozen local veterans sharing what our country means to them \u2014 as well as the special section in today\u2019s Breeze that includes\u00a0 contributed stories on the history Cape Coral\u2019s Veteran\u2019s Monument; Four Freedoms Park; the Cape Coral Museum of History\u2019s \u201cSalute to America\u201d exhibit, and, on the state level, stories on Florida \u2014 the 14th\u00a0colony\u2019s War of Dependence and the Southern Underground, the movement of enslaved people to the south during the Revolutionary War.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was interesting and educational for all of us here at The Breeze to step back and reflect on the 250th\u00a0anniversary of our country, and we hope we\u2019ve provided a good balance between local and national and current and historical with this section,\u201d said Breeze Newspapers Publisher Ray Eckenrode.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The America 250 special section also includes stories on Cape Coral being a Purple Heart City, local Independence Day celebrations around Southwest Florida, photo contest winners, and more.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe community really came together on this,\u201d said Valarie Harring, executive editor for the Breeze Newspapers. \u201cCommunity contributions made it possible for us to put together a commemorative magazine\u00a0that not only includes the numerous events around Southwest Florida that will mark this year\u2019s semiquincentennial but some history, both local and state.\u201d<\/p>\n
As for local events, perhaps the biggest way to celebrate America\u2019s 250th anniversary takes place here in Cape Coral, where an annual event provides national entertainment and boasts the largest fireworks display in all of Southwest Florida.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The city of Cape Coral\u2019s Red, White & BOOM! is the largest single-day event in the region and is free for attendees.<\/p>\n
Put on by the city\u2019s Parks and Recreation Department, the event takes place on Cape Coral Parkway at the foot of Cape Coral Bridge from 5 to 10 p.m., and is a rain-or-shine event.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The city also will be tying in something special for America 250 \u2014 a \u201cRaise the Flag\u201d event prior to Red, White & BOOM! and the evening festivities to follow.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cRaise the Flag\u201d is a community-driven effort that built the tallest free-standing American flagpole in Florida. Standing 250 feet tall at Bernice Braden Park, this monumental flag will honor America\u2019s 250th birthday, with city officials stating it is to serve as a powerful symbol of freedom, democracy, and unity.<\/p>\n
The program agenda includes:<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 1:45-2:20 p.m.\u00a0\u2013 Guest arrival and refreshments<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 2:25 p.m. \u2013\u00a0Opening remarks<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 Sponsor recognition and tribute video<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 Speaker remarks<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 Presentation of Colors and National Anthem<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 Closing remarks and retirement of Colors<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0 Approximately 3 p.m. \u2013\u00a0Formal program concludes<\/p>\n