City of Panama City to Host “This We’ll Defend” Celebration Honoring 250th Anniversary of U.S. Army

PANAMA CITY, FL. -- The City of Panama City is proud to announce This We'll Defend, a full-day patriotic celebration on the 250th anniversary of the United States Army, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in downtown Panama City. This milestone event will pay tribute to the bravery, sacrifice and strength of our nation’s service members from all branches, past and present.

In partnership with local military bases, units, and community organizations, This We’ll Defend offers a day filled with remembrance, recognition, and family-friendly activities designed to engage citizens of all ages.

Schedule of Events

• 7:00 A.M. – “This We’ll Defend” 5K Run

Kick off the day with a spirited 5K honoring our military legacy. Register at runsignup.com/thiswelldefend5k.

• 7:30 A.M. – Fitness Challenges

Participate in timed planks, pushups, and pullups. Space is limited to 30 participants per event.

Sign up online (runsignup.com/thiswelldefend5k) or in person, pending availability.

• 9:00 A.M. – Commemorative Ceremony

A formal ceremony will feature the Presentation of Colors, National Anthem, and keynote remarks from distinguished military leaders.

Master of Ceremonies: MSGT Ross Kahle, Tyndall AFB 
Colors Presented By: Tyndall AFB Honor Guard
National Anthem: SSGT Ella Sims, US Air Force
Benediction: LTC (Ret.) David Trogdan, Chaplain, US Army
Keynote Remarks: Ret. MG Mark McQueen, US Army
Musical Tribute: 13th Army Band performing the Army Song & Soldier’s Creed
Swearing in New Soldiers
Cake Cutting: Ret. MG McQueen & MSGT Kahle
Awards & Raffle: Sponsored by PC Army Recruiting Station and Minutes and Miles

10:00 A.M. – Flyover: Featuring aircraft from Tyndall Air Force Base 

10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. – Military Expo & Family Fun

Experience hands-on military displays, historical exhibits, family activities and live music from the 13th Army Band. Harrison’s Kitchen will be hosting an All-American BBQ with a special menu and grab-and-go boxes on the lawn.

• 5:00, 7:00 & 9:00 P.M. – “Whiskey and War Stories”
Join veterans for an evening of personal storytelling and bourbon tasting at Atelier and Harrison Rivard & Duncan on Harrison Avenue.
General Admission: $52.50
VIP Admission: $82.50 (includes reserved seating & an Old-Fashioned cocktail)
Limited to 25 guests per session
Tickets available at: https://square.link/u/AJeltqgv

• 6:00-9:30 PM – Free Military Documentaries

Sit on the lawn of Hotel Indigo, 7 Harrison Ave., and view two free military documentaries hosted by Lama Entertainment, Lost Dog Media, the Bay County Library and Hotel Indigo.

6:00-7:30 PM: “Almost Sunrise,” a Point of View and PBS film. To put haunting combat experiences behind them, two friends embark on an epic 2,700-mile trek on foot across America, seeking redemption and healing to close the moral chasm opened by war. Almost Sunrise is an intimate film that eschews stereotypes and instead captures an unprecedented portrait of veterans — one of hope, potential and untold possibilities.

7:45-9:30 PM: “The Keeper” by Lama Entertainment & Longlost Pictures. The Keeper is based on the inspiring true story of an Army Veteran who is challenged by his own demons and searches for hope and answers while hiking from Maine to Georgia on the Appalachian Trail.

• Road Closures: Portions of W Government St, 4th St, E Beach Dr and other surrounding streets will be closed from 6:00 to 9:00 a.m. for the 5K.

• Tarpon Dock Drawbridge Closure: 7:00–9:00 A.M.

• Marina T-Dock Closure: 6:00 A.M.–2:00 P.M.

This is more than a celebration, it’s a community-wide salute to the heroes who have shaped our nation’s history. The City of Panama City is honored to recognize their legacy.
Additional information or updates will be posted to the City’s website or the City’s official social media channels. https://www.panamacity.gov/ 

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For National 250 events see: https://america250.org/