- November 13, 2024
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Members of the Palm Coast Fire Department Honor Guard presented the colors at the ceremony. (Photo by Jonathan Simmons)
Palm Coast Mayor Jon Netts addressed the audience at the city's July Fourth ceremony. (Photo by Jonathan Simmons)
The Palm Coast Community Band played "Stars and Stripes Forever."(Photo by Jonathan Simmons)
Nikki White of The American Flag Project spoke about the U.S. flag's symbolism. (Photo by Jonathan Simmons)
Flagler County Sheriff Jim Manfre took part in a reading of the Declaration of Independence at the city of Palm Coast's July Fourth ceremony.(Photo by Jonathan Simmons)
Palm Coast City Councilman Bill McGuire took part in a reading of the Declaration of Independence. (Photo by Jonathan Simmons)
County Commissioner George Hanns and County Judge Melissa Moore Stens were among the county officials who took part in the city of Palm Coast's July Fourth ceremony. (Photo by Jonathan Simmons)
Members of the Palm Coast Fire Department Honor Guard presented the colors at the ceremony. (Photo by Jonathan Simmons)
Audience members dressed in red, white and blue and carried U.S. flags. (Photo by Jonathan Simmons)
Of all of our freedoms as Americans, Palm Coast Mayor Jon Netts asked at the city's July Fourth ceremony, which do we cherish the most?
"Regardless of our race, religion, how we live or who we live with, we are all Americans — free to be ourselves without permission from anyone, and without fear of intimidation or retaliation."
— Jon Netts, Palm Coast mayor
"Is it our right to freedom of religion that assures us we can worship who we choose, when and where and how we choose?" he said. "Or is it our right to freedom of speech that guarantees that our words can be heard without fear of reprimand? Is it our privilege to vote, that guarantees the leadership choices we make are counted? Our freedom to pursue happiness gives us the privilege to live or travel anywhere we wish and work any job for which we may qualify; to marry, and to raise a family; to receive an education, to join a political party, a union, or any other organization of our own choice — and to enjoy the company of good friends in a public venue without fear of harm."
That last freedom, Netts said to the audience of about 50 who attended the 8 a.m. July 4 ceremony at Heroes Memorial Park, had been "catastrophically violated on June 12" at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando.
"I would be remiss this morning if I didn’t take a moment to express Palm Coast’s sorrow and condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in Orlando’s recent tragedy," Netts said. "The young people at Pulse club were simply expressing their freedom to be themselves, loving music, friendship and good times. Their injuries and the loss of life should remind us to unite in the climate of freedoms created by our forefathers. Regardless of our race, religion, how we live or who we live with, we are all Americans — free to be ourselves without permission from anyone, and without fear of intimidation or retaliation."
The Palm Coast Fire Department Honor Guard presented the colors, city and county officials took turns reading the text of the Declaration of Independence, and the Palm Coast Community Band played "Stars and Stripes Forever."
Nikki White of The American Flag Project told the audience about the U.S. flag's history and symbolism.
"We believe it’s vital to have patriots who not only support our country, but understand why they do," White said. "The American flag is a symbol of freedom from dominance and freedom to live your days in pursuit of life, liberty and happiness. ... Long may she wave."
