Hebron's 4th of July Celebration

Happy Independence Day everyone.

Hebron residents gather at the green in front of the Old Town Hall to share in the Independence Day festivities. 

Today we had a special event sponsored by TTCP (The Town Center Project).  Hebron residents came together at the Old Town Hall to celebrate our nation's 243rd birthday.  This is the second annual celebration of the Fourth of July in Hebron, CT sponsored by TTCP.  The event was held in front of the Old Town Hall, which is the building owned and maintained by the Hebron Historical Society.

Hebron residents participate in the Pledge of Allegiance at the Fourth of July Celebration in front of the Old Town Hall.

In lieu of the holiday, there were a series of speakers, singers, and a poet.  John Collins, one of the First Selectmen, took to the podium to kick us off with the event at 9 AM this morning, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem and the reading of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence.  TTCP was prepared, offering booklets containing the Declaration of Independence, as well as song packets for residents to bring in the holiday through singing patriotic songs.

For the event, TTCP offered refreshments, mini flags, a packet that included American songs, and booklets that included the Constitution and Declaration of Independence.

Danielle Golden, a senior at RHAM High School sang her phenomenal rendition of the National Anthem, to which John Collins acknowledged and mentioned it was "one of the best renditions of the National Anthem I had heard."

Danielle Golden (center) is featured here, singing the National Anthem.  John Collins is standing behind her to the right.

David Rose as William Williams, read the Declaration, along with three Boy Scouts: James Abu-Rahmeh, Ben Sullivan, and Triston Emmons.

David Rose, as William Williams, reads the Declaration of Independence.  Two Boy Scouts stand in the background.

After the Declaration was read, Tom Brancato of the American Legion Post 95 gave his remarks, which was then followed by "Americana in Song," led by Florence O'Sullivan and Dan Hollenbeck on keyboard.  Together, the Hebron residents sang several patriotic songs including "My Country 'Tis of Thee," "America the Beautiful," and "God Bless America."

Tom Brancato, of American Legion 95, shares
his remarks during the celebration

Florence O'Sullivan (right) leads the residents in song with Dan Hollenbeck (left) on keyboard

Hebron residents join in singing patriotic songs

After leading in song, Larry Zimmerman, a local resident and author, shared his patriotism by reading a poem he had written for the event.

Lastly, Judy Podell spoke about patriotism and TTCP's efforts to recognize Hebron ancestors and where Hebron residents had come from before ending up in Hebron.  Judy acknowledged that some residents may have been here for years while others have been in town for two weeks, but no matter the difference, everyone comes from somewhere.  TTCP had created a map with various pins on it that recognize the heritage of individuals.

Larry Zimmerman, a Hebron resident and
author, shares his poetry

The red pins are people who had participated in the survey, which was held earlier at various points throughout town.  The red pins are placed where the participants claimed they were from.  The white pins are where the participants' parents were from, and the blue pins recognize where the participants' grandparents immigrated from.  As the map showed, many of the participants' ancestors and relatives had immigrated from Europe, though there were other places marked by indicators as well.

John Collins then spoke again to wrap up the event and kick off our nation's holiday.  He had mentioned that attendance had doubled from last year's event and he hoped that the attendance would continue to climb as the event continues throughout the years.  The celebration of the 4th of July was an event that really brought several Hebron groups together to share in our nation's holiday, and it will be great to see it grow throughout the years as we celebrate our town, our nation, our heritage, and our American patriotism.

The world map with pins placed where Hebron residents came from

Mal Leichter, a volunteer for CVC, had filmed the event.  The event can be watched here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJgI1QyrKqs

Additionally, if you'd like to help prepare events in Hebron, such as the Independence Celebration, consider joining TTCP (The Town Center Project).  Take a look at the Facebook page and contact Judy Podell if interested. See here: https://www.thetowncenterproject.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/towncenterprojectinc/

TTCP has other events planned throughout the year, such as the Summer Concert Series and The Harvest Moon Festival in October.  TTCP is always looking for help with these events, as well as with new and fresh ideas to "put feet on the street" and make Hebron a fun and lively town that everyone can enjoy.

If you missed this event, please watch the video (once posted) and plan to attend next year to support Hebron, Connecticut and bring in our nation's birthday.  If you have any other stories about Hebron you would like to share, you are welcome to post below and/or email at hebronmapleleaf@gmail.com.