Our wonderful Freedom Fest

More space, more parking and bigger fireworks … what’s not to like about moving the fireworks portion of our fantastic Independence Day celebration from cramped Community Park to the sports complex?
Surely there will be some residents who won’t like it – most likely those who can walk to Community Park. But for the bulk of the community, it’s a great move, one that’s probably overdue.
President Charles Weston and all the volunteers continue to do an amazing job with Freedom Fest organization and efforts. It’s clearly a passionate endeavor that reflects the pride Morgan Hill takes in its community and the birth of our great nation.
It’s a huge undertaking each year. On Saturday, June 29, there’s the bike classic that offers everything from a 100K endurance test to a 6-mile ride. Then, there’s the Patriotic sing at Britton Middle School on Wednesday, July 3 from 6 to 7 p.m. and the Family Music Fest from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Community and Cultural Center.
The Fourth of July kicks off with a bang with the Freedom Run. Then there’s the Car Cruise and Show and the absolutely fantastic hometown parade through downtown that begins at 10 a.m. There’s a breather – perfect time to eat lunch downtown and stroll around. Fireworks start at dark with 6 p.m entertainment at the Morgan Hill Outdoor Sports Center. All that’s left is adding in a few fun afternoon events at the Aquatics Center next year.
Think about the logistics, the coordination, the dedication and the hard work the volunteers put in to make this happen for our community – and thank them when you see them. The effort is truly emblematic of the best America has to offer.
Oh, and did we mention there’s an essay contest. Here’s what the intermediate division winner Tiffany La, a student of Miss Gillani and Ms. Richards at Nordstrom Elementary, wrote:
“Proud to be an American”
Are you proud to be an American? Well, I am, for several grateful reasons. I am proud to be an American because of the benefits America gives me and I would be proud to serve our country.
First of all, I am thankful and grateful to the soldiers who protect the freedom of our nation, and our people. Without them, our country could be threatened by other countries from time to time. As the song states, “I won’t forget the men who died and gave that right to me.” It reminds me that as an American citizen, I must continue to safeguard our nation to protect Her from harm by those who want to harm us.
I am proud to be an American because I have the freedom of speech to express myself and the right to believe in any religion as I choose. Some countries do not allow their people to express whatever they want or believe in any religions.
Having the right to vote is another thing that makes me proud to be an American. We have the right to choose our leaders for big events, such as Presidential elections, or small local mayoral elections.
Finally, I am proud to be an American because we have equal rights to serve our great nation regardless of being a man or woman or young or old. Every person is created equally. We are respected of our own beliefs in religion, and have the freedom to worship our own god.
I am proud to be an American because I am living in the great nation that has given me an opportunity to serve and protect Her from harm. I can also take part and help to build this country to be a strong, modern, and free nation that the world will always look up to.
Thank you, Tiffany, and thank you to all the volunteers behind the celebration. Well done, we salute you.