It was such an honor to attend the All Rise: America 250 special event which commemorated 250 years of liberty, justice, and the rule of law. Walking into Osvaldo N. Soto Miami Dade Justice Center was exciting. Going through a security checkpoint, metal detector, then electronic security monitored elevator, was intimidating. Exiting the elevator to warm greetings, friendly smiles, and a room beautifully decorated with patriotic red, white, and blue stars, stripes, banners, and flags instantly felt welcoming. The room looked perfectly suited for the occasion. From Law Enforcement Bailiffs to attorneys to the summer interns, the environment remained chatty, comfortable, and jovial for a celebratory Friday afternoon.
The mood shifted dramatically the moment we heard the unexpected, firm command: “ALL RISE.” We stood to our feet as the Judges of the 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida processed into the room wearing their traditional black robes. Instantly, the atmosphere felt heroic, stout, and mighty, filled with strength, glory, and pride. It felt like a defining moment in history, and I was proud to be there. To mark the significance of the occasion, Miami-Dade County officially proclaimed Friday, June 26, 2026, as “All Rise: America 250 Day” to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
To make the event even more meaningful and reinforce the rule of law, several judges participated in a reading of the Bill of Rights. Hearing some of these rights was sobering, as our nation still struggles to fully uphold them today. Yet, it is thanks to the very liberty, justice, and rule of law we were celebrating that we are able to continue that fight.
This set the stage for the keynote address by Florida Supreme Court Justice John D. Couriel, who spoke on the role of constitutional principles and the rule of law in preserving American liberty. It was heartwarming to hear him make his address practical and relatable, referencing his teenage daughters and sharing how the support of his parents and grandparents led to his success. His words underscored the spirit of leadership within the 11th Judicial Circuit, which was beautifully highlighted by the call of the legal interns to the center floor. As they paraded forward to well-deserved applause, they were asked to ring the court’s bell 13 times to represent the 13 colonies. This was a significant moment, a powerful example of empowerment, recognition, and encouragement for the next generation to continue the legacy for the next 250 years.
To end the celebration, we all exited into the lobby to find an American-style picnic setup with all the traditional 4th of July BBQ. It was wonderful to see the judges in such a relaxed setting, mixing and mingling with everyone. In a time when our country can feel so divided, it was especially meaningful to see people from across the legal community come together in a spirit of fellowship, respect, and shared purpose. Chatting with Judge Verde and hearing about the incredible initiatives that she is supporting was truly enlightening. She is such an inspiration to the community. I can honestly say I left the event deeply inspired by the legal profession, my country, and my Flawless team.
