Over the next few days BBQ’s will be running on overtime and fireworks will be lighting up our sky as we celebrate our Independence. Although the Fourth of July falls out on Wednesday this year we still will have plenty of time to celebrate.
Hopefully during these celebrations we will all take a moment to be thankful for the freedom our Constitution and Declaration of Independence grants us.
Although the true meaning of the 4th of July revolves around our independence from Britain, it is the democracy that was born out of it we must all celebrate.
Together with Democracy comes the American Dream, and that is continually being played out before us each and every day. Indeed, it is not the same America it was just a few short years ago. For better or worse, depending on who one talks to, new immigrants are arriving daily.
As we mark our Independence, we must be thankful to live in such a diverse nation made up of so many vibrant people. It is not difficult to understand why so many people leave their suppressed countries to settle in the land of the free and the home of the brave.
As we celebrate our Independence, I often think how in other countries the media is controlled by the government, and expressions of diverse opinions are denied. Modern technology such as cell phones, facebook and twitter are breaking through that barrier.
In Sullivan County there will be many celebrations marking Independence Day. The great Liberty Parade and street Fair will be held beginning at noon on Wednesday.
More than sixty food, craft and retail vendors will be selling their goods along Main Street. There will be Antique Car Show and entertainment. A dunking booth has been added to the venue this year along with a duck race.
There will also be a parade in Lumberland at noon followed by “Fun Day” at Circle Park. Narrowsburg will host a parade at 3 PM. and fireworks at dusk. White Lake will host is Fourth of July Fireworks Display at dusk overlooking White Lake at the Kauneonga Lake Community Park starting at 7 PM.
In Fort Delaware the celebrations will be extensive. At noon, General George Washington (as portrayed b Paul Brennan) will offer a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence, and at 12:30 PM, Sullivan County Historian John Conway will speak on “The Declaration of Independence and the Upper Delaware River Valley.” There will also be living history demonstrations and a parade.
Monticello will also hold a parade at noon, and Callicoon Center will host a concert at 8 PM. Monticello Raceway will offer nighttime racing followed by their annual fireworks display.
I hope Sullivan County residents come out in droves to celebrate these great events. It is imperative we all take the time to appreciate our independence and freedom.
No matter ones viewpoints, race, creed, color, gender, age, education, wealth, sexual orientation, or religious ideology, we all strive for the same goals and quality of life. Even though some of our customs, political beliefs, and the way we approach life may vary, we are all the same.
Every summer Sullivan County is inundated with diverse groups. Some of our summer residents dress differently and live life atypical from what we consider to be the norm. Understanding and acceptance can go a long way. Tempers need not boil over.
Let’s all give a positive impression of Sullivan County’s year round community to our summer visitors – it will go a long way.
Happy 4th of July and enjoy your hot dog!
good article Bill, wish I were there but you know that