Palm Coast, FL – Outside of the fireworks spectacular that closed the night for families perched along the lake in Central Park, it was a moment of genuine expression from Palm Coast City Councilman and acting mayor Ed Branquinho during the opening ceremony that summed up what so many in the crowd, were feeling with the words, “Viva America!”
Commemorating the evening with the words from 1776 that declared America’s independence from England, 15 elected officials from across the community each read a portion of the Declaration of Independence after the colors were presented by the Palm Coast Fire Department Honor Guard.
“What inspires me tonight is what has been inspiring me since October 1, 1975, which is the day that I arrived in this country,” shared Branquinho, who emceed the celebration and said he is inspired by his faith in God and the love in his heart for America.
“It’s a love of this country that I developed the same day I got here because like I said before, I know many countries, visited many countries, and there’s nothing out there that compares to America and the American people. We are the best.”
Capped by lively performances from the Palm Coast Community Band, led by conductor Bryan Ray, and a special vocal performance by Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Commander Kenny Goncalves, attendees could be seen clapping, toe tapping and singing along throughout.
“I’ve been singing for years, and it started with my dad. I was like four years old when I started singing,” said Goncalves, who drew rousing applause and a thank you from a tot-aged admirer after his performance of ‘God Bless America’.
“It’s everything. All the freedoms that we have in this country,” said Goncalves. “Nowhere else in the world can you do whatever you want, whenever you want and have all the opportunity in the world to do it.”
As life begins a slow trek back to normalcy for many, Palm Coast’s interim city manager Denise Bevan was pleased to see residents out enjoying the evening together after so long apart during the pandemic.
“Tonight we’re here to celebrate Independence Day, and to see all families out here and see all the excitement, it’s pretty overwhelming,” she said.
“It’s a special moment in time right now. Everybody wants to have some excitement and celebrate, so I think it’s a lot of energy. They just want to come together and experience something wonderful.”
Featured Photo: Palm Coast City Councilman and interim Mayor Ed Branquinho emcees the Palm Coast Independence Day Celebration in Town Center on July 3, 2021.
