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!