Now that the smoke has cleared and the final firework exploded
high above the Morgan Hill skyline, it
’s time to salute the Independence Day Inc. and Morgan Hill
community for another wonderful celebration of our nation’s
founding.
Now that the smoke has cleared and the final firework exploded high above the Morgan Hill skyline, it’s time to salute the Independence Day Inc. and Morgan Hill community for another wonderful celebration of our nation’s founding.
It was at least 111 years ago, if not considerably longer, that Morgan Hill held its first documented Fourth of July celebration as reported in this newspaper. It’s refreshing that after a century of changes in our often chaotic world, the spirit of this celebration remains the same.
Though the crowds are larger than they were 100 years ago, the sense of community has not diminished. From our office window on Third Street, we can still see old friends embracing, laughing and sharing in the excitement this unique celebration invokes. It’s heartwarming to watch a community come together on a special day for a truly unique event.
As the parade marched down Monterey and Main streets, the cheering residents and visitors displayed a patriotism reminiscent of the commitment our forefathers had to the country they created. For at least a short while, it seemed as though everyone put their individual differences and political opinions aside to celebrate proudly together as Americans.
The kick-off of the Fourth festivities on Sunday night created the perfect ambiance for the community events to follow. Morgan Hill’s youth performed touching renditions of the “Star-spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful” during the Patriotic Sing at Britton Middle School – another Morgan Hill tradition dating back for generations. Their young, proud voices combined in a delightful harmony.
The annual Street Dance, another long-practiced local tradition, gave residents a chance to catch up with friends and neighbors while dancing the night away to the sounds of local music in downtown Morgan Hill.
Yesterday’s Community Funfest provided yet another chance for visitors and locals alike to enjoy the day with activities for families.
And, of course, the firework show put the seal on a remarkable day, in a truly remarkable community.
Whether it is your first Fourth of July in Morgan Hill or your 111th, the event is always an impressive display of how this close community can celebrate an important day in history with class, style and conviction.
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