June Newsletter
Children of Fallen Patriots Event
I was honored to provide remarks at the Children of Fallen Patriots event hosted in Washington, DC, by PepsiCo/Rolling Remembrance in mid-May. We honored the brave children who have lost a parent in military service and paid tribute to their strength and resilience despite facing unimaginable loss.
From the Fallen Patriots website:
First started by PepsiCo in 2015, Rolling Remembrance is a 14,000+ mile long relay of an American flag from Seattle to New York to benefit the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation. Using normal business routes, PepsiCo's extensive network of U.S. Military Veteran drivers will pass off a flag to each other at different relay points. The flag was on a UH-60M Blackhawk Helicopter on a combat mission in support of U.S. and Coalition ground forces in the Kandahar Province of Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2012. The Rolling Remembrance campaign occurs during April, Month of the Military Child and May, Military Appreciation Month.
Successful Ferndale Day
Ferndale Day was a great success, bringing the community together in celebration on May 18th! The day featured a fun parade, lots of delicious food, live entertainment, and engaging activities for the kids. Friends and neighbors came out in full force to enjoy the spirit of this amazing community, making Ferndale Day an unforgettable experience for all.
Lake Shore Peninsula Community Concerns
I was happy to meet with community members in May to better understand their concerns regarding the possible rezoning and development of land along Mountain Road on the Lake Shore Peninsula. Protect Our Lake Shore Peninsula is a group of dedicated local residents from the Lake Shore and Pasadena areas who wish to preserve the remaining ecosystem and ensure the safety of residents on the peninsula next to the Chesapeake Bay.
Celebrate Juneteenth
On June 19, 1865, nearly two years after President Abraham Lincoln emancipated enslaved Africans in America, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news of freedom. Over 250,000 African Americans embraced freedom by executive decree in what became Juneteenth or Freedom Day. You can celebrate Juneteenth in Annapolis on June 21st and 22nd with a festive parade, entertainment on two stages, delicious food, and a fireworks finale! Find more information HERE.
Celebrating our Future Service Members
We had a great turnout at Glen Burnie High School to celebrate our future service members–high school seniors who have chosen to enlist in the armed forces. On April 29th, Our Community Salutes honored almost 50 Class of 2024 students from Anne Arundel County Public Schools for their commitment to military service. Our Community Salutes is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides support and resources to the newest and youngest service members and their families. Congratulations to the high school seniors who took their Oath of Enlistment, and thank you for your service to our country!
June is Anne Arundel Arts Month
Throughout the month of June, everyone is invited to engage with the arts through a variety of dynamic, community-led events. Performances, workshops, exhibits, and more will highlight the importance of a dynamic arts community. This festival brings us together to celebrate our broad and diverse local arts scene. The arts bring joy, build community, and generate economic value for our county and state. Find out more HERE.
Happy Pride Month
Pride Month is celebrated in June and commemorates years of struggle for civil rights and the ongoing pursuit of equal justice under the law for the LGBTQ community, as well as the accomplishments of LGBTQ individuals. Check out the Pride Month celebrations and resources at Anne Arundel County Public Library!
