or those of us old enough to remember the Bicentennial celebrations in 1976, the thought of being here for the United States Semiquincentennial celebrations can make one misty eyed.
I was living in Edmond at the time of the Bicentennial, and we celebrated 200 years of the Declaration of Independence with a parade and activities at the park. There were politicians and noteworthy community leaders in fancy cars, children dressed in red, white and blue outfits riding on bicycles adorned with red, white and blue crepe paper streamers. The high school band marched down Broadway tooting “You’re a Grand Old Flag.” We had running and jumping competitions at the park, free watermelon to eat and watermelon seed spitting contests. Of course, the evening was encapsulated with a boisterous and colorful fireworks display.
It was a joyous time to be alive and a time of pride in our country.
The City of Newcastle and the Parks & Recreation Department, led by Kyle Marks, has planned a wonderful “America 250 Red, White & Blue Fest” party for our community. It is Saturday, June 27 at Veterans Park and everyone is invited.
This is a family and community celebration, as well, with live music, food and vendors, kids’ activities, and patriotism. Marks said he wants the event to be a time for families to make memories. I’m thinking there will be those who live 50 years from now who will be like me, and think back remembering the good time we all had celebrating country and community.
I ask that you would take time on Saturday, June 27 to celebrate the remarkable Declaration of Independence and the beginnings of the United States of America, as well as camaraderie and community.
Take time to enjoy fellowship with each other. Lay aside the politics and the rhetoric about liberal versus conservative, Democrat versus Republican, Trump supporters versus non-Trumpers, and think about where we’ve been, how we separated from England along with the King’s rule and a national religion, and how we formed the remarkable Democratic Republic that we have.
This is the perfect time to remember what our Declaration of Independence says, “All people have natural rights — including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
At the end of the day, and definitely for the semiquincentennial of our country, we should be able to agree on some things, disagree on others, and agree that agreeing to disagree is also okay. The ability to do so makes our country stronger and more special than any other in the world.
I hope these greater ideals and our history, as well as our community’s gathering and celebration makes you misty eyed.
Mark Codner
