Happy Birthday America!
In 1976 Atlantic Highlands was one of the Bayshore towns that truly went above and beyond in celebrating the nation’s 200th birthday. Besides hosting cadets on the Tall Ships that formed the Parade of Ships into New York Harbor, every polcie officer from Chief Jim Egidio down along with every borough employee took on extra work loads to be sure motorists weren’t blocked in traffic, boats were able to dock in the harbor, and families could feel save in their homes with crowds anticipated to be so large the Highlands Police Chief wanted machine guns and extra law enforcement assistance. Proud
But when it was over, it was a fine Fourth of July and we as Americans treated guests from so many countries as new friends, welcoming them, showing them why we are so proud of our country, and inviting them to come back and visit again.
The following is the editorial in The Courier in July, 1976, that gives an idea of how friendly, courteous and genuinely happy everyone was, resident and visitor alike.
PROUD TO BE AMERICAN
The good natures, smiles, hugs and kisses and continued sound of laughter in the air told it all over the big Bicentennial Weekend. America loves a parade, especially one on the “sea”.
The warmth and generosity with which Americans greeted strangers from across the ocean, and the sincere and heartfelt reactions returned them from cadets also told a big story. We’re a people who really don’t want to make war, but rather would like to live in peace and harmony with other countries.”
People who live on or by the sea are a whole different breed. They recognize the beauty of nature, the solitude of the sea, the vastness of the earth. And they react accordingly.
They know the important things in life are not whether or not you speak the same language, but whether you can transmit your ideas and feelings with no need of a- common tongue.
They know a smile and a warm handshake will go a lot further towards crossing the sea. They know committee people like the Wallaces, the Wheatons, the McCallums and the Ruddys, and many more like them, organized their own 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 Virginia baked ham and turkey, the buckets from the Clam Hut dinner they won’t forget, hearts full of love, admiration, and respect for the American people because of lasting impressions you gave.
Patriotic long hours of deliberation and talk. They know there’s a big difference between politics and people. And they prefer the latter.
It was a good time for America, too, because no one was ashamed to be patriotic. No one seemed to care if you didn’t know all the words of the national anthem, or sang Columbia the Gem of the Ocean slightly off-key.
Everybody felt good about wearing red, white, and blue and draping flags from open windows or on a stick perched in a tub of flowers. Just about everybody felt a special affinity towards Thomas Jefferson and the other 55 signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Our nation’s birthday party was a huge success, partially because of a feeling of warmth and patriotism, partly because of the rousing Happy Birthday accorded us from across the sea.
Let’s hope the happy feelings and the new friendships stay behind when the whites of the sails are far beyond the horizon.
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I don’t think pride and patriotic emotions are a thing of the past and. There’s quiet pride and empty boasting. There’s a simple appreciation for living in this country founded by giants. Then there are the slogan lovers who parrot legitimate sayings and songs like God bless America while believing in neither. Nor are they mindful of our young country’s history. Established by a people rejecting King, State religion and class warfare. Yes real patriotism and pride exists in today’s America. Just don’t look for it under a rock.