Thanks for support of backpack drive
Editor, The Sun:
The Be A Hero to Our Heroes, Inc./F.R.E.S.H. (Fully Refreshing and Empowering Students Holistically) Back-to-School Outreach Ministry has concluded its 2026 outreach. We are grateful for another wonderful opportunity to serve the students and families of Wakulla County.
This event would not have been possible without the generosity, commitment, and giving spirit of our community. To every sponsor, supporter, business, church, organization, individual, and volunteer who gave their time, resources, services, or financial support. We sincerely thank you! Each of you played an important role in making this year’s outreach a success.
As servants, our goal is to demonstrate the love of God through service to our community. This outreach has always been about more than backpacks and school supplies. F.R.E.S.H. seeks to encourage and empower our students spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically, helping them begin the 2026–2027 school year feeling supported, confident, and prepared.
For 16 years, our community has continued to come together to support this outreach. Because of that willingness to unite and serve, we have been blessed with the opportunity to be a blessing to so many students and families. Your kindness and generosity are a wonderful example of what can be accomplished when a community works together with a common purpose.
With grateful hearts, Be A Hero to Our Heroes, Inc. and the F.R.E.S.H. Back-to-School Outreach Ministry simply say, “Thank you, and may God continue to bless you all.”
To God Be the Glory,
Be A Hero to Our Heroes, Inc.
F.R.E.S.H. Back-to-School Outreach Ministry
Join Optimists in helping kids
Editor, The Sun:
Readers, are you interested in helping children and youth in your community? There is a great opportunity to join an organization with a sterling reputation for supporting kids – the Coastal Optimist Club of Wakulla County!
Founded over 50 years ago, this club established a scholarship fund to benefit outstanding students across our community. Because of our members’ dedicated efforts, we distribute thousands of scholarship dollars every year. We also provide financial gifts to youth groups like 4-H and sports teams, sponsor oratorical and essay contests, and organize the annual Blue Crab Festival Parade.
Interested in learning more? Come on out to Myra Jean’s this Thursday, August 20th at noon. Our guest speaker will be School Superintendent Rick Myhre, who will update us on progress at the high school renovation and expansion.
Optimists meet every first and third Thursday at noon at Myra Jean’s.
Verna Brock
History highlight: Invade Canada?
Editor, The Sun:
Invade Canada you say? Hardly a new idea. Americans have fancied owning Canada since Britain gained possession of the French Canadian settlements in 1763. As a result of winning the French and Indian War, Britain also won all the lands west of the Appalachians to the Mississippi River.
In 1776, early in the War of Independence, the Continental Congress authorized the invasion of Canada. They feared that the British army , which harbored troops in Canada, would invade the New England colonies and could encircle the Continental Army by marching additional forces north from British Florida. So the Americans attacked Quebec in November,1775 but were defeated. Later in the war, Congress again approved a plan to invade Canada which was opposed by General George Washington. He reasoned that American resources were better spent fighting the British in the colonies. Congress did not choose to oppose their own commander in chief so the plan was never executed. A third time, a plan to invade Canada surfaced in the Congress in 1778, supported by the young Marquis de Lafayette, a French volunteer who had fought with Washington’s troops and won the general’s trust. This time, too, Washington prevailed, convincing the Congress to abandon all talk about invading Canada for the remainder of the war, which ended in 1783.
However, in 1812, when the U.S. was again at war with the British, hawks in Congress clamored for a Canadian invasion, and even considered annexation of Canada. Then President James Madison approved plans for a three-pronged attack. U.S .General William Hull and his troops crossed the Detroit River into Canada in July, 1812. They met strong resistance from Chief Tecumseh and his Shawnee warriors who fought alongside the British enemy. The Americans retreated to Detroit and later an intimidated General Hull surrendered the army and the city. He was later court-martialed and convicted of cowardice and neglect of duty. The two other invasions of the three part plan to win Canada also failed. The campaign was greatly hindered by American forces who simply refused to cross the border to fight the British.
If you have Canadian friends, you’ve no doubt been struck by how forcefully they recall this history. Perhaps you too have been gently reminded that, like all residents of the continent, Canadians too, are Americans.
Join the historical society in celebrating American and Florida history at “Threads Through Time” a historic clothing fashion show and tea Saturday, September 12 from 2-5 pm at the Crawfordville Women’s Club. Tickets on sale at www.wakullahistory.org
Andrea Carter, President
Wakulla County Historical Society