Happy 248th Birthday America!
Photo by J.C. Martin and Story By The Founding Fathers For WestportLocalPress.com Click on the image to enlarge.
How Old Is America? The Simple Answer:
The simple answer is that as of the July 4, 2024, the United States is 248 years old. The United States is 248-years-old because the Declaration of Independence was ratified by the US Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. The passing of the Declaration of Independence meant that the thirteen original British colonies in North America ceased to be colonies and officially (at least according to them) became a sovereign nation.
Today is a great day for parties, barbecues, etc. It is also a great day to read the Declaration Of Independence.
But there is more to it than that.
On July 2, 1776, Congress voted to declare independence. Two days later, it ratified the text of the Declaration. John Dunlap, official printer to Congress, worked through the night to set the Declaration in type and print approximately 200 copies.
The written Declaration of Independence was dated July 4th but wasn't actually signed until August 2nd. Fifty-six delegates eventually signed the document, although all were not present on that day in August. Two of the Declaration's signers died 50 years to the day (July 4, 1826) after the document was adopted. Both were presidents -- Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. They died within hours of each other. More can be found on the National Archives Website.
Below is a start and the link to the full Declaration, one of the greatest documents ever written by man.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
Here is the link: The Declaration Of Independence
Simply SPECTACULAR! Compo PAL Fireworks Thrill Once Again
Thanks to Westport PAL, the town, and of course the continued tremendous generosity year after year by Westport's Melissa and Doug Bernstein and their eponymous company, the skies lit up once again on Tuesday night.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery
As usual, PAL and Melissa & Doug provided a beautiful show with stunning visuals and an explosive finale.
Among those strolling Soundview Ave. were RTM member Kristin Schneeman, former First Selectman Jim Marpe, RTM member Jimmy Izzo, a random guy passing buy who jumped in the photo-op, along with Karen Persau, second selectwoman Andrea Moore and First Selectwoman Jen Tooker.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery
Some brought chairs and blankets, other erected illuminated tents and tables adorned with various forms celebrating Old Glory. They began arriving earlier in the day to stake out their patch of the beach, returning later with all manner of refreshments and their delicious food to get the party started. Some of Compo’s lifeguards had the night off to relax and enjoy the festivities.
For several years, this group of friends have gathered and made it clear they are celebrating the birth of the United States with a gigantic American flag brilliantly lit when the sunset.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery
As always, a sea of Westporters cover every inch of Compo beach waiting for the big show.
Among those showing their red, white & blue was RTM’s Andrew Collabella with his favorite holiday pants.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery
We thought something looked a little off when the barge carrying the fireworks showed up off the beach. We wondered if they noticed it was pointing toward Long Island, and how long it would take to correct.
As it turned out, the skillful tug boat captain had it all figured out and spun the barge around in just a few minutes, with what looked like an assist from WPD Marine Division.
And there it was, ready to fire the first shots of the show with the sponsor, Melissa & Doug’s logo glowing in the evening light.
The young and the even younger made sure their patriotism statement was seen by all.
Quack! Quack! Quack! Duck Race Greater Than Ever!
The Sunrise Rotary held one of Westport’s favorite events, The Great Duck Race and family festival at Jesup Green, and the crowd was one of the biggest ever. “Sales” of the ducks continued well past the 1:00 PM planned start time for the race making the event a tremendous fund raiser for the sunrise Rotary. The crowd filled the hill behind the race course all the way up to the entrance of the library, clearly showing the excellent turnout.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Above, the more than 3,000 Ducks were placed into the bucket of the A J Penna front loader which then drove carefully to the start of the sluice. The Ducks were first dropped into the holding pond area before being released to head “down stream” into the finish box where the 10 winning ducks were plucked out by Duck Race volunteers and were then carefully placed in plastic bags numbered one through ten. First Selectwoman Jen Tooker acted as emcee during the race which was documented by News 12.
Westport Fire Department gave the ducks a helping hand by generating a current toward the finish line and spectators watched excitedly as the ducks “raced” toward their destination.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Camera phones of the spectators and even the volunteers captured all the excitement as the Ducks slowly found their way toward the finish line.
There were lots of games and activities for kids at the event including creative games like toss the beanbag into the toilet, which hopefully will not be duplicated at home. When the race had concluded it was time to breakdown the “course”, and some of the kids decided to splash and play in the water as it slowly drained out.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The event is made possible each year through the generosity of the many sponsors. Great food was available all day from food trucks.
Tomorrow’s Fireworks Will Draw Thousands And Heavy Traffic
Scenes from last years Fireworks by J.C. Martin for WestportLocalPress.
Westport Police Department issued it’s yearly advisory to alert everyone for what to expect, what to know and what to do.
WPD Press Release 7.1.24:
The annual PAL fireworks display is set for Tuesday July 2, 2024, with a rain date of Wednesday July 3, 2024. This is the largest annual Westport event featuring heavy vehicular and pedestrian traffic affecting all roads south of Greens Farms Road between Compo Road South and Hillspoint Road. It is recommended that spectators plan to arrive early as traffic delays are inevitable. Daytime Compo Beach visitors are reminded that the beach closes at 4:00 PM. Only those vehicles with fireworks passes hanging on their rearview mirrors will be allowed to remain within the beach. All others will be ticketed or towed. The beach should reopen to ticket holders by 5:00 PM, however this determination will be made by Westport Parks and Recreation staff.
Pedestrians attending the fireworks are reminded not to walk on the roads and to use sidewalks when going to and from Compo Beach. It is recommended that pedestrians wear bright clothing and parents please always keep an eye on small children!
For ticket holders:
Access to the PAL Fireworks display will be through South Compo Road only. Hillspoint Road south of Greens Farms Road will be open to only those with residences south of that intersection.
Firework attendees should display the ticket prominently on the rearview mirror so it can be seen clearly when traveling to the event.
All ticket holders must be inside Compo Beach by 9:00 PM. No vehicular beach traffic will be allowed south of the Minuteman statue after that time.
Handicap parking is available between the cannons and the pavilion. Handicap spaces are limited and will be provided on a first come first served basis.
For those who do not have tickets:
Vehicles without a ticket will not be able to go any further towards Compo Beach than the Minuteman statue.
Enjoy this wonderful event!
jUNe Day 2024: Westport Welcomed The World
On Saturday June 29th Westport held it's 59th annual welcome to the people of the world in conjunction with The United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut and the International Hospitality Committee. In the background of this photo, a large group of protesters appears presenting their opposition to the UN’s position on the Israel/Gaza situation. See WestportLocal: They Spoke Loudly…
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Delegates to the UN as well as staff members were given a warm welcome once again and were offered the opportunity to visit some of Westport's exceptional amenities such as Wakeman Town Farm, Compo Beach, Earthplace and the Longshore Golf Course among others. They also got to witness first-hand a Westport Institution, The Sunrise Rotary's Great Duck Race.
A fierce rivalry on the Soccer pitch is also an annual event where The Westport Football Club took on the United Nations team, comprised of soccer players from all over the world at the Saugatuck school. (story and photos to follow, check WestportLocalPress later this week)
Each year flags from countries the world over are flown on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Memorial Bridge in downtown Westport. Ms. Cohen (1920-2002) was a highly accomplished woman who was deeply involved with the UN and was a staunch champion supporting NGO affiliates at UN Headquarters. This year about 170 flags were flown representing most of the 193 member nations of the UN. The countries are selected in conjunction with the town and they excluded the flag of Russia in 2022.
Ms. Steinkraus Cohen founded the UN Association of Southwestern CT which co-organizes the event each year. This event celebrates the anniversary of the signing of the UN Charter which was signed on June 26, 1945, in San Francisco, at the conclusion of the United Nations Conference on International Organization, and came into force on October 24, 1945.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The jUNe Day program began with a greeting from Mr. Willard Hass, President, NA-USA Southwestern CT Chapter. Mr. Hass was followed by First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker who welcomed the international contingent to Westport. A message from United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was delivered by the Guest of Honor, Mr. Christian Saunders. Mr. Saunders is the Under-Secretary-General, Special Coordinator on Improving the UN Response to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse. The important highlights from the message of UN Secretary-General Guterres which which were delivered by Under-Secretary-General Saunders were:
“Every June, the Town of Westport welcomes UN staff members, delegates and friends to join together and celebrate the anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter. This annual event stands as a reminder of the essential role the Charter plays in ensuring peace, stability and cooperation in a difficult and fractured world. The values embodied by the Charter are timeless: peace, dialogue, human rights, international law, and solutions through solidarity.
We need these values more than ever, as we grapple with huge global challenges like conflicts, climate change, poverty, hunger and inequality.”
“The work that you all do has embodied this essential call to action. I urge you to continue championing the vital causes of peace, sustainable development and human rights for all. Together, we can build a better future for everyone, everywhere. “
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
UN visitors and jUNe Day volunteers listen to the remarks by the speakers including Under Secretary-General Saunders and First Selectwoman Jen Tooker.
Tooker welcomed everyone saying “It is my pleasure to welcome you to our beautiful town as we have done for over 50 years.” She added, “I know this is an opportunity for you all to get out of the city” and that “This is the perfect place to do just that.” Booker referenced the pro-Israel silent protest telling the crowd, “People here embrace freedom of expression as you see here today. And this is the way we do things in Westport, respectful, civil, peaceful, adding, “Many members of our community have experienced deep, acute and lasting pain since the horrific attack on October 7th. Just as the UN promotes robust dialogue, so do we here inWestport. And that is what you see here this morning.”
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
In Their Silence, They Spoke Loudly
A silent protest for the hostages taken on October 7th accompanied Westport’s annual jUNe Day celebration.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Westport has been celebrating jUNe Day for over half a century. This town’s paradigm of tolerance, inclusion acceptance of everyone regardless of their race, creed, color, sexual preference, and generally their political perspective is bedrock principal here. This year was no exception however it was the first year that such a large group of perhaps 100 people respectfully confronted in public, the UN’s position on the horrific events of October 7th in Israel with which we are all familiar.
And in keeping with the tone of civility which is also a part of Westport’s heritage for much or all of the time we have been celebrating people of all nations on jUNe Day, this year was a little different. Protesters challenging how the UN has addressed the hostage crises gathered alongside the sluice for the Great Duck Race and spoke loudly, not with megaphones and clever chants, but with posters, flags, and T-shirts including several a stark and bold hashtag message, “#END JEW HATRED” which, when Googled brings you to the website EndJewHatred.com where their banner reads “Justice For The Jewish People”. What started as a small group of folks when the word went out turned into a large demonstration of unity and solidarity between the people of Westport and beyond, with the people of Israel in their silent, yet very loud cry for the end to the hostage crises.
Below are the comments of one of the organizers, Dori Bomback who provided them to WestportLocalPress. They are Ms. Bombacks views and are not a statement by WestportLocal :
“A few of us have organized a silent protest rally against this year's invitation of UN employees for jUNe Day. We will be partnering with the CT chapter of #EndJewHatred. The rally will be taking place in the morning during the breakfast and welcome speeches. It will be SILENT out of respect to the town and some of the superfluous events taking place tomorrow. Selectwoman Tooker and DPC Paulson are completely aware of our intentions. I do not know how big or small it will be. We will be holding up signs and wearing t-shirts.
We are Westporters. We are Westport neighbors who support the town's economy. We are Jews. Maybe some of us are non-Jews. We are Zionists. We are parents.
Maybe some of us have college students who are facing extreme anti-semitism on their campuses.”
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Bomback continued, “We are angry about the UN's egregious bias against Israel and the fact that our tax dollars are being used to host representatives of the United Nations, particularly this year, after the horrific events of October 7, and the consistently glaring antisemitic/anti-israel efforts to delegitimize the only Jewish state. Here is a little context for you to understand better what we are protesting.
The UN has done nothing to release the remaining 116 hostages, representing 54 different countries— not just Israel, over the last nine months. The UN was silent on the rape and sexual violence used against Israeli women on 10.7 for months. Staffers of the UN agency of UNRWA were directly involved in the 10.7 Hamas attack and subsequent murder and kidnapping of Israelis. The UN will still not condemn Hamas using its name. The UN singles out Israel with resolution after resolution while countries like N. Korea and Iran are barely sanctioned. And, finally, the preposterous false charges of genocide against Israel are meritless, counterproductive and hypocritical.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
We understand that jUNe day has gone on here for 50 + years. We understand that in its inception, it was not meant to be a political statement or event, however, today, the UN is a highly politically divisive organization and inviting their employees to our town for a day in the sun is simply no longer acceptable to us. Sometimes, the status quo needs to change and just because we’ve operated one way for 50 years, doesn’t mean it’s appropriate going forward. We are all for international hospitality, but we should be hosting an organization that stands for universal equality for all.”
Westport Gets Ready For jUNe Day 2024
Dozens of flags from all around the world fly on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge in welcome for the UN officials and staff who will be in town on Saturday June 29th for Westport’s annual jUNe Day celebration.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The UNA Southwestern Connecticut Chapter and the Town of Westport for the 59th time has invited our friends from the United Nations Staff and Missions to be our guests in Westport for a day of summer fun! This tradition was started in 1965 and we’ve never missed a year.
The Great Duck Race And jUNe Day Returns On Saturday
Sunny, the giant Sunrise Rotary Duck has taken his place at Jesup Green to promote Saturday’s Great Duck Race. A lighted sign display reminds folks that there will be no parking on June 28th night and all day the 29th as the Jesup Green parking lot will be the site for all of the vendors, exhibitors and booths for family activities for the day.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com
On Saturday June 29th Westport once again hosts UN dignitaries from all over the world for jUNe Day and The Great Duck Race and Family Fun Faire, which runs from 10:00 AM until 2PM.
Remarks will be given by UN dignitaries at 10:30 to open the jUNe day activities.
The big race will be held at 1:00 PM and the lucky winners will be awarded the first place prize of $5,000, second pace prize of $1,000, with $500. being awarded to the 3rd through 10th place finishers.
About the Great Duck Race:
Helmed by Steve Violette, the Great Duck Race was initiated in 2009 as a trial to see if a duck race would work in Westport. The event was a smashing success, nearly doubling expectations for money we were able to raise for charity.
Every year, the Race generates tens of thousands of dollars...all of which is distributed to local and international charities!
See a list of recent charity recipients here: WestportSunriseRotary.org
To see WestportLocal’s coverage last year of the Great Duck race click here: 14th Annual Great Duck Race
To see last year’s coverage of jUNe Day, click here: jUNe Day: When The World Comes To Westport
Longshore Lunch Al Fresco
This little brown rabbit came out of the woods in the afternoon near the Longshore Sailing School to dine in a delicious field of grass and clover, which rabbits do enjoy. Rabbits often avoid being seen in plain sight in open areas for fear of predators such as hawks.
Perhaps this little one was feeling confident as he was enjoying his lunch in the shadow of one of the two Osprey platforms at Longshore, both of which are occupied by a nesting pair. The male is very active, and the second platform further down the exit road also has an active nesting pair. The formidable Osprey presence at Longshore probably discourages hawk activity as Osprey are not eager to share their space wth other raptors.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com.
Shellfish On The Menu For Compo Beach Oystercatchers
One of the Oystercatcher pair which has nested at Compo has found a tasty meal in between the rocks at the shoreline of South Beach where they have nested for the last few years.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
For the last several years a pair of Oystercatchers have called South Beach at Compo home where there are not that many natural predators and have nested and attempted to raise their families. Chicks have hatched in years past but it is not well known what their success rate is as to their survival. This pair did hatch chicks this year. Two were spotted a couple of weeks ago, however there was no sign of the babies last week when these photos were taken. This pair for some reason has chosen Compo’s South Beach instead of nesting on one of the islands off of the coast of Connecticut where many of their species can be found.
After sitting quietly in the sand for some time, this bird decided it was time to stroll down to the waterline to search for something to eat. She looks carefully and spots her target, quickly plucking a mollusk of some kind from between the rocks.
AllAboutBirds.org describes these beauties this way, “A boldly patterned shorebird with red-yellow eyes and a vivid red-orange bill, American Oystercatchers survive almost exclusively on shellfish—clams, oysters, and other saltwater molluscs.” and they add, “American Oystercatchers are the only birds in their environment with the ability to open large molluscs such as clams and oysters (except for large gulls that drop clams onto pavement).” They caution, however, “American Oystercatchers don’t always win out in their battles against oysters and clams. Occasionally, a shellfish gets its revenge by clamping down on an oystercatcher’s bill and holding the bird tight.”
Named Oystercatchers in 1731 by English naturalist Mark CatesbyThe Amrican Oystercatcher is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the state of CT erects "fencing" wire and signs warning viewers and beachgoers to keep their distance to encourage successful breeding.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Named Oystercatchers in 1731 by English naturalist Mark CatesbyThe Amrican Oystercatcher is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the state of CT erects "fencing" wire and signs warning viewers and beachgoers to keep their distance to encourage successful breeding.
After enjoying it’s snack it was time to clean those feathers, splashing and spraying water.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.