Events

The City of Pompano Beach and the Florida Society Sons of the American Revolution (FLSSAR) will celebrate the dedication of the First Amphibious Landing Monument with a ceremonial ribbon cutting at the entrance to the Pompano Beach Fisher Family Pier. The event will be held Saturday, March 14^th at 10:00 a.m. at the Fisher Family Pier at 222 N Pompano Beach Boulevard and will feature distinguished speakers, a dramatic presentation by forty honor guard members carrying historic flags, and a stirring performance by a traditional drum and fife corps, bringing Revolutionary War history to life along the City’s iconic beachfront.

Visitors who have recently walked along the Pier may have noticed construction underway across from the Bait Shop. The project will soon culminate in the unveiling of a striking new landmark honoring a pivotal yet often overlooked moment in American history.

Standing 20 feet tall and weighing approximately 17,000 pounds, the First Amphibious Landing Monument commemorates the first amphibious landing of the American Revolution. This bold military action helped shape the future of the United States and laid the foundation for modern amphibious warfare.

The monument commemorates a history dating back to March 1776, when Naval Commander Esek Hopkins ordered a daring naval expedition during the Revolutionary War. Continental Sailors and Marines led by Continental Marine Captain Samuel Nicholas carried out their first-ever amphibious assault on foreign soil, landing on the island of New Providence in the Bahamas. Their mission targeted Fort Montagu and Fort Nassau, marking the first amphibious landing conducted by American forces.

“This monument honors the courage and determination of the patriots who helped shape our nation’s future,” said Mayor Rex Hardin. “We are proud that Pompano Beach was selected as the home for this historic tribute, and that our beautiful Fisher Family Pier will serve as a place where residents and visitors can reflect on the sacrifices made for American independence.”

Despite its historical significance, this event has long remained largely unsung. Until now, the only known marker recognizing the landing was a small plaque located at Fort Montagu in the Bahamas. The new monument in Pompano Beach ensures that this chapter of American history will finally be preserved and prominently shared on American soil.

An accompanying informational plaque will help visitors understand the bravery and strategy involved in the early days of the Revolutionary War, as well as the role this operation played in shaping American military history.

Selecting the monument’s home was a thoughtful process. After searching for a meaningful southeastern location, the Sons of the American Revolution selected Pompano Beach, citing the Fisher Family Pier and the vibrant Fishing Village district as an ideal setting where residents and visitors alike can reflect on the nation’s heritage. City leaders enthusiastically supported the initiative, granting unanimous approval for the monument to become part of the City’s redeveloped coastal destination.

The First Amphibious Landing Monument has been made possible through generous contributions from businesses, organizations, Visit Lauderdale, and individuals from across the nation. Together, these donors have helped ensure that this important story of courage and service will be honored for generations to come.

Prior to the ribbon-cutting ceremony, when the American flag and the United States Marine Corps flag will be raised at the monument site, the Grand Union Flag has been flown in recognition of the earliest banner of the United Colonies. First hoisted aboard the Continental Navy warship Alfred on December 3, 1775, the Grand Union Flag symbolized the newly formed Continental Army, Navy, and Marine Corps authorized by the Second Continental Congress and served as the primary military flag of American forces during the early years of the Revolutionary War.

The dedication ceremony will offer the public a unique opportunity to witness living history, celebrate the nation’s founding spirit, and welcome a new landmark to Pompano Beach’s waterfront.