July 17 marks the 200th Anniversary of Pensacola and Florida becoming American after 300 years of European rule. Join us for some of the activities commemorating this important transitional date:
Friday - July 16, 2021
10AM Keel Boat: Arrives 10AM (DEPARTS Saturday, 4PM) Pitts Slip
11AM Reenactment War of 1812, Battle of Pensacola (1814) Fountain Park
2PM Reenactment First Seminole War, Battle of Pensacola (1818) Fountain Park
3:30 Ayoka Afrikan Drum and Dance Workshop Museum Plaza, Historic Pensacola Village
Saturday - July 17, 2021
6:30AM "Mvskoke Mekusvpkv" or Muscogee Prayer
NO photography or recording is allowed; this is a sacred rite.
10:00
Color Guard presents the Colors/Pledge of Allegiance/posts the colors (Marcus Henry)
Welcome Collier Merrill
Opening Remarks Judy Bense
Commemoration Remarks Rev. Freddie Tellis
Remarks Chief Dan “Sky Horse” Helms
Introduction of speakers Judy Bense
Speakers:
Dr. Martha Saunders, President UWF
Senator Rick Scott, Florida U.S. Senator
Captain Timothy Kinsella, Commanding Officer, NASP
Secretary of State Laurel Lee, Florida Secretary of State
Senator Doug Broxson, Florida District 1
Representative Michelle Salzman, Florida District 1
Representative Alex Andrade, Florida District 2
Commission Chairman Robert Bender, Escambia County
Mayor Grover Robinson, City of Pensacola
Time capsule presentation
Essay Contest Winner reading Caitlyn Moore
Performance of “America the Beautiful” by Dr. Leo Day
Exchange of Flags accompanied by UWF Band playing national anthem
Flyover
Unveiling of State Historic Marker
AFTER PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
Historic Village open until 4PM for all events demonstrations, music, dance, re-enactors.
History and Archaeology Scavenger Hunt
12 Noon: Groupo Folklorico of St. Patrick's Church, Robertsdale, AL. On Stage
1 PM Ayoka Afrikan Drum and Dance Ensemble perform on stage
2 PM Scavenger Hunt winner drawing
Village open until 4PM with demonstrations, music, dance, re-enactors.