By Edward D. Dadakis
Sentinel Columnist
Summertime has finally come to Greenwich. While it wasn’t too bad of a winter, except for that historic blizzard and the brutally cold subzero weekend, Greenwich citizens are welcoming the sunshine and warmth as their activities transition to the outdoors.
Nothing says summer louder than the July 4 weekend, and it arrives today! In Greenwich there will be lots of activity, from swimming and barbeques to sailing and softball, as well as golf and tennis. While Greenwich offers facilities for all of these activities, it is the planned celebration events that should have the most resonance for our townspeople.
To me, the granddaddy of them all is the flag raising celebration held on the morning of July 4 in front of Town Hall. It is the brainchild of Bea Crumbine, who was appointed by First Selectman Peter Tesei as Greenwich’s good will ambassador (she does an outstanding job). A few years ago, she realized that there were many Town Hall events to raise various countries’ flags throughout the year, yet nothing was done on July 4 to honor the American flag.
Bea changed that, and what started somewhat quietly is now an extravaganza. The flag raising kicks off at 9 a.m. on this Monday, Independence Day, commemorating the 240th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence; there will also be a special remembrance of the role of Sarah Bush (1742—1824) in Greenwich’s past.
Greenwich history will be front and center, as ancestors of Revolutionary War heroes are introduced to the crowd. I wonder how many other towns in America have Revolutionary War ancestors at their July 4 events. Also participating are our future leaders, schoolchildren who will be presented with citizenship awards. The event wouldn’t be complete without a (partial) reading of the Declaration of Independence, a document that changed the course of history.
Flags are everywhere. They are distributed to all in attendance by Greenwich’s Boy Scouts, and raised in salute. Patriotic songs fill the air as the Sound Beach Community Band plays and Greenwich resident Stephanie Kies takes to the microphone, encouraging all to sing songs such as “God Bless America.” But be prepared to hold your ears—no, no, not for the singing; Stephanie has a beautiful voice—but for the cannon firing and the 21-gun salute. The event, which lasts about 45 minutes, is topped off with birthday cake for all.
If you only go to one town event a year this is the one you want to attend because as you leave you will be filled with patriotism, gratitude for the wisdom and sacrifices of those who founded our nation and confidence that the children of today will be the effective leaders of tomorrow.
In addition to this amazing flag raising, Greenwich will celebrate America’s independence with two fireworks shows—one in Binney Park and the other at Greenwich Point (known to townies as Tod’s Point). Both shows are scheduled for Saturday, July 2, as night falls (the rain date is July 3).
No matter how you choose to celebrate July 4, take a few minutes to remember and thank the 57 men who had the foresight to sign the Declaration of Independence, which sent America on its path to being the greatest and most compassionate nation in all of human history.
While signing looks so right from the vantage point of 2016, things were not so clear in 1776. Those men were British citizens and they were opposing their own country; if caught they would have been tried and executed for treason. Signing was a true act of courage.
Enjoy your Fourth.
Edward Dadakis, a lifelong Greenwich resident, has served more then 35 years on the RTM, having been first elected as one of its youngest members. He is a former chairman of the Greenwich Republican Party and currently represents our 36th Senatorial District on the Connecticut Republican State Central Committee.
