Army Specialist Daniel Agami. {courtesy}
A bridge in Coconut Creek will soon bear the name of a local hero, after Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation to honor Army Specialist Daniel J. Agami, a Coconut Creek native who was killed in Iraq in 2007.
The designation, made law through Florida House Bill 987, directs the state’s Department of Transportation to name the bridge on State Road 7 over Sample Road the SPC Daniel J. Agami Bridge. The measure was introduced as an amendment by Representative Christine Hunschofsky (D-Parkland) and passed unanimously in the legislature with bipartisan support.
“This bridge is at the center of the cities where Daniel Agami grew up, making it the perfect place to honor his service and sacrifice,” said Rep. Hunschofsky. “This dedication will be a reflection of the enduring love of a community that will never forget him.”
Agami, 25, was killed on June 21, 2007, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle in Adhamiyah, Iraq. He had already served nearly three years as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and chose to re-enlist for another four years, with hopes of potentially becoming a military chaplain.
Known among fellow soldiers as “The Hebrew Hammer,” Agami maintained a kosher diet and was committed to his faith, carrying his tallis, tefillin, and a mezuzah around his neck. When his body was recovered, he was found with his tehillim (Psalms) still in his possession.
Agami’s heroism in combat earned him numerous decorations, including the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal with valor, the Infantryman’s Badge, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Iraqi Campaign Medal.
He served with the 26th Infantry Regiment, a unit within the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division, and encouraged fellow soldiers to stay physically fit, his family said.
Before enlisting at age 23 – a decision spurred by the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 – Agami was a popular local DJ, athlete, and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student.
Beth and Itzhak Agami, Daniel’s parents, have worked to ensure their son’s legacy is remembered in Broward County.
“With the support of Representative Hunschofsky, we are thrilled to share that the bridge naming is one step closer to becoming a reality in memory of our son, brother and hero,” they said in a joint statement. “Her dedication and advocacy have played a key role in moving this initiative forward, and we are incredibly grateful for her partnership in honoring this important cause along with Bridges for the Fallen, and we are so looking forward to the dedication.”
Beth Agami, an American Gold Star Mother, has spearheaded other local efforts to honor her son. She worked with Parkland officials to plant a memorial tree with a plaque outside City Hall and install a portrait of Daniel at the Parkland Library.
In 2013, she helped launch Parkland’s Veterans Park so residents wouldn’t have to leave the city to attend Memorial Day or Veterans Day events.
More recently, she helped the city unveil a flag drop box outside City Hall, dedicated in Daniel’s memory.
In an interview last year, Beth Agami reflected on her son’s unwavering faith and courage.
“Even when he got to Iraq, he was always Jewishly connected,” she said. “That’s who Daniel was—he lived with purpose, and he died with honor.”
A formal bridge dedication ceremony is expected to be announced in the coming months.
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