May 26, 2009
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
In 1782, the patriot Hector St. John de Crevecoeur wrote in his Letters from an American Farmer, “What then is the American?…I could point out to you a family whose grandfather was an Englishman, whose wife was Dutch, whose son married a French woman, and whose present four sons have now four wives of different nations. …Here individuals of all nations are melted into a new race of men, whose labors and posterity will one day cause great changes in the world.” What prophetic words!
As Crevecoeur was writing, only six years after our nation’s birth, Hunterdon County’s “new race of men” already included Dutch, German, French, English, Scots, Irish, Welsh, Lenni Lenape, and African peoples. Two centuries later, nearly every culture, ethnicity, and creed live here side by side, sharing in a common pledge of loyalty to our great country. We are Many Faces – One Nation, and the Celebration Committee invites you to join us in exploring our rich heritage of diversity and inclusiveness – the source of our distinctive strength. Help us point out the many faces of our nation with pride in our uniqueness and commitment to our shared identity as Americans.
Our celebration begins on Main Street with the Baby and Bike Parade at 9:30 a.m. (registration opens at 8 o’clock), followed by presentation of Students of the Month at 9:50 a.m. The Main Parade will step off at 10 o’clock. After the Main Parade there will be festivities in the park, including the flag raising, presentation of awards, refreshments, and games for all ages. A House Decorating Contest, with prizes for parade-themed or patriotic décor, will be judged early in the morning. You can find additional parade information at www.lebanonboro.com/4thofjulyparade.
The Celebration is supported solely by your financial gifts. In this difficult economic time, it is tempting to cut back on charitable giving. I urge you to consider the value of the Celebration. If you believe, as I do, that Fourth of July in Lebanon – the parades, the park, the cookouts, flags and bunting, good times and laughter, family and friends, a day full of simple pleasures – is priceless, please join me in making a generous financial contribution.
Sincerely yours,
Debbie Masco
Chairperson
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Yes! I would like to support the 2008 Lebanon 4th Of July Celebration with my check made payable to: Lebanon Celebration Committee, P.O. Box 158, Lebanon NJ 08833
Name: __________________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________
Contributions received by June 24 will be listed in the parade flyer.
$100 contributors will receive special promotional items, if gifts are received by June 24.