This past week was a busy one in Escambia County.
A lot of what we as a community were doing was remembering those who came before us, those who sacrificed their lives for the defense of our country, and we were also celebrating our area's rich history in a number of ways.
It started last weekend on Saturday as the Boy Scouts of America locally, along with affiliated groups, placed flags at every grave site at Barrancas National Cemetery aboard NAS Pensacola. The ceremony was solemn and the turnout was large. I was honored to be invited to speak to the scouts and welcome them for the flag placement. This was followed by multiple Memorial Day events throughout the area on Sunday and Monday.
We also had a very special visit to our area by a beautiful United State Coast Guard Tall Ship. Warm Thanks to the Navy League of Pensacola and Seville Quarter for hosting the first Pensacola visit for Coast Guard Cutter "Barque" Eagle. Captain Michael Turdo and his entire crew hosted a ships reception on Saturday evening. This ship, built in Germany and originally an asset of the German Navy in World War II-was taken as a war prize after the Allied victory in WWII. It has been utilized by the Coast Guard ever since the end of the war to train U.S. Coast Guard Academy recruits at sea and also to visit ports around the world for outreach from the US Coast Guard. Touring the ship felt like walking back into history as it was explained that upon the commissioning of this ship Adolph Hitler was present and walked on this vessel. Great to see the ship doing good things for our country in the wake of its beginning in Nazi Germany. And the crew--wow. Meeting these impressive young men and women reinforces my faith in America's youth.
The Navy League of Pensacola organized a luncheon in honor of the crew of the Eagle on Friday morning, after providing the opportunity for dignitaries to "ride-in" on the ship the morning before. As a gesture of goodwill and appreciation for the hospitality the Pensacola area has shown the ship and the crew--Commanding officer of the Eagle CAPT Michael Turdo, presented a certificate of appreciation to Fiesta 2022's Don Tristan De Luna at this function held downtown at Jackson's Restaurant.
On Wednesday afternoon, the community held a soft opening ceremony for downtown's newest historical heritage attraction "America's First Settlement Trail" a 20 stop, 3-mile interactive and self-paced, self guided walking tour through downtown Pensacola--spotlighting our area's rich history. This project was funded by the City of Pensacola, Escambia County, and a lot of individual contributions from families and businesses.
Later Wednesday night--the community celebrated the "Surrender" of the city and county to Don Tristan De Luna in Downtown Pensacola at Seville Quarter. It was a great evening of fun and festivities that everyone enjoyed.
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