This is an editorial I wrote for The Courier after the Fourth of July, 1976 and it mentions so many names that are still known as the patriotic, fun loving, dedicated families and friends that are still part of Atlantic Highlands today.
Op Sail and the Fourth of July anniversary celebration of America here have come and gone for Monmouth County but the memories linger on.
And some of the happiest memories carried to hometowns in Chile and Spain, in Argentine and Poland, in Portugal and Denmark and Norway are directly because of the warmth and friendship of the people in Atlantic Highlands.
That community celebrated the Fourth of July as it should be celebrated.
Locally, they continued their plans for a festive parade and family day of food, entertainment, games and prizes while internationally they prepared their homes and typical American dishes for the guests members of the Bicentennial Commission had invited to dinner.
Both of these events brought crowds of people to the Bayshore town, and while the county and state failed to feel the impact of untold thousands of visitors, the community did get more than its share. And handled it all admirably, thanks to a well thought out and implemented plan spearheaded by police Capt. Sam Guzzi and Sg. Ken Gover, under the watchful eye of Chief Jim Egidio.
While cars poured into Atlantic Highlands headed both for the harbor and terrific vantage points along Ocean Blvd, a diligent and ever pleasant police force kept traffic moving smoothly, kept tempers cooled and cooperated with the public with dedication and zeal and courtesy.
A happy and busy Bicentennial Committee, people like the Wallaces, Wheatons, McCullums and the Ruddys and many more like them, organized their homes and dinner plans so as not to miss out on any of the excitement of the town while still providing home cooked meals for the cadets.
Dedicated people like John Fox, head of the harbor commission, harbormaster Lou Papa and employees at the harbor went about the job of keeping things running as smooth as greased wheels while still having the time to smile, welcome every visitor and enjoy themselves.
Sunday night’s fireworks were spectacular.
The parade on Monday was beautiful, a colorful array of floats and people proud of their heritage, proud of the celebration and proud of their community. The family fun time was excitement, smiles, gossip and good food, just like family days are supposed to be.
The town as a whole, and the Bicentennial Commission in particular, deserve a great round of applause for a job well done. There’s got to be great satisfaction in knowing your neighbors at home are pleased and delighted. And the new friends you met from the tall ships carried back with them, besides the apple and pecan pies, the platters of Virgnia baked ham and turkey..the buckets from the Clam Hut dinners they won’t forget, hearts full of love, admiration and respect for the American people because of the lasting impression you gave.
