Committee News

Patriotic Community

  • July 2026
  • Lynda Vail, Section 22 Board Director

Several months ago, Gary Knudsen approached me with a suggestion to have patriotic banners placed along our entrance on Islamorada Blvd. During a Section 22 meeting I discussed this with the Board, and they unanimously accepted the idea. They allocated the funds, and after conferring with Gary on the number of banners and hardware needed, and through several weeks of research, they were purchased. Not only do we thank Gary Knudsen and Ralph Smith for volunteering to take their time and erect these banners along Islamorada Blvd., we also thank them for their military service.

As you all know, the United States celebrates 250 years, “Semi Quincentennial,” of independence this year, marking a journey from the Declaration of Independence in 1776. This marked the formal break from British rule, and established the foundational ideals of the United States: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The Board, along with the community, are proud to honor our Veterans, Troops, their families and America through the upcoming holidays.

Next time you enter Burnt Store Marina through the main gates, look up, take a moment, and reflect on where we are, how we got here, and be thankful that we are “Home of the Free because of the Brave.”