On July 4, 2019, at the Heritage State Park Visitor Center, we received a wonderful history lesson.
There they taught us that the first celebration of July 4 in Lawrence happened in 1848. That a bell was used to attract the public to celebrate the occasion and that after the flag was raised, the mayor of the city and the elected officials read the Declaration of Independence.
Unfortunately, in the 14 years that the Old Fashioned July 4 has been celebrated at Heritage State Park none of the mayors on duty have attended this celebration. It seems that they prefer the modern celebration that takes place in the Veterans Stadium, which has entertainment for the whole family, where they can nourish their ego by receiving the gratitude of the public for such a magnificent presentation, although they have not had anything to do with it. Lots of fireworks but no history!
It is satisfying when someone dedicates their time to look at the past, for episodes that perhaps occurred centuries ago and bring them to new generations for knowledge and enjoyment.
Our thanks to Richard Padova for a job well done and to the Lawrence Heritage State Park Visitor Center for presenting it.
