Independence day reminds the nation of the sacrifices that were made in the name of freedom, but at a time when terrorists threaten those freedoms the celebration holds even more importance.
Harney Point Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #8463 in Cape Coral hosted a party for local veterans to celebrate the holiday.
"They need our support and it's important that we give them as much as we possibly can," said John Sullivan, former Cape Coral Mayor.
Sullivan served as Cape Coral's mayor from 2009-2013. He told Fox 4 celebrating with local veterans was a must, following a string of deadly attacks by ISIS; including attacks by ISIS sympathizers, such as the Orlando nightclub massacre.
"People have to understand that we have to be vigilant and we have to be willing and ready to protect ourselves," said Sullivan.
The post's commander, Tony Mihalovich, says he believes more can be done to defeat ISIS. However, the vietnam veteran acknowledges that it will be a difficult task.
“The nature of the problem we have today is very difficult to resolve. It isn't just about guns, look at what's happening it's about bombs. It's about people that are carrying bomb's hidden bombs," said Mihalovich.
For Mihalovich, the best way of fighitng back is by refusing to succomb to fear.
"We can't stop living our lives, or give up our freedoms, or be afraid to go somewhere just because of these people. Once we do that they've won, they've won and we're not going to let them win not anyone from here anyway," said Mihalovich.
