Celebrating Our Independence

In the coming days, communities and individuals alike will participate in public and private celebrations commemorating the birth of this great nation. Two hundred and thirty three years have passed since “The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America” was issued.

For John Hancock and the other 56 signatories to the “Declaration”, it was a monumental and courageous step that would alter the course of human events for time immortal. Our nation has become the world’s pre-eminent leader and has endured great suffering along with unparalleled success in becoming the most benevolent country history has ever witnessed. Surely, this is, and shall continue to be great cause for celebration among the citizenry of the United States, as well as those across the globe who depend upon us daily.

Here locally, we will be fortunate to lay witness to a dramatic and exciting Fourth of July celebration hosted by Old Sturbridge Village. Last year’s event was incredibly well choreographed and attended, with this year’s promising to be significantly more so. It will be a great opportunity for all of us to showcase the very best that Sturbridge has to offer in terms of amenities, hospitality, and safety.

With so much excitement surrounding the upcoming holiday, it is easy for many of us to lose sight of the annual tragedies that occur as a result of July 4th celebrations; some legal, most otherwise. Injuries – physical and emotional – resulting from burns, disfigurement, and even death are all too commonplace during the weeks surrounding our Independence Day celebrations. As well, one is all too familiar with increased news reports of alcohol related accidents and deaths resulting from a proclivity for increased alcohol consumption by a small yet not inconsequential percentage.

All Americans recognize the great desire and need to memorialize – through celebration - the great freedoms we enjoy as the world’s most sovereign people. It is a fundamental aspect of who we are as a people. With that said, one is reminded of last year’s tragic accident during a non-sanctioned pyrotechnics display, which resulted in serious injury to a visitor. Fortunately, this remote and regrettable accident is an extreme rarity in this area and hopefully one not likely to occur again.

Speaking as an individual member of your elected leadership, I invite all Sturbridge residents to celebrate the birth of our great nation with excitement and vigor; I also encourage each of us to do so in a safe, sanctioned, and sensible manner.

Have A Happy and Safe Fourth of July.

Thomas R. Creamer, Sturbridge Selectman.