On July 4^th, 1776 we Americans officially declared ourselves free from British rule. Every year since we celebrate this day with community patriotic events, BBQ’s and fireworks. While we are enjoying these good times, with family and friends, let’s pause a moment or two to reflect on who we are and how we got here.

Our community recently experienced an historic event. Jim Ramos, a member of local American Legion Post 16 and Newberry resident was elected as State of Florida American Legion Commander during the state convention held in Orlando last week. This is the first time a local veteran from Alachua County has been elected to this prestigious position since WW II. We at Forest Meadows are especially proud of Commander Ramos and have been proudly supporting him with campaign contributions as he rose through the ranks. We hope to have him attend one of our next fish fry’s so you can meet this former airborne trooper and career Army man.

With guidance from County Commissioners Kanapaha Veterans Park will soon be re-named Veterans Memorial Park. Apparently some citizens were confusing our Kanapaha Veterans Park with Kanapaha Botanical Gardens and complained about the “confusion”. Well, we are complying with their request and are happy those confused citizens are not interested in becoming Army scouts.

Plans are underway for several new veteran memorials to be built and dedicated around our town. On July 27^th the Korean War veterans will be dedicating their new memorial on Archer Road at 10:00 am. Forest Meadows veteran’s rep Jim Lynch will be hosting the ceremony. The local Purple Heart Chapter and the Vietnam Veterans of America both are in the planning stages to dedicate memorials within the next year. Several other groups are also discussing plans for additional memorials. We can never say “Thank You” enough. We are the land of the free because of the brave.