Thank You Dover for a Great Day to be A Delawarean

Independence day — July 4th

Thank you. Thank you to the City of Dover and the Independence Day Committee for a fantastic celebration of Independence Day on the 4th of July.

As I sit in my home office at the break of dawn on this Monday, the remembrances of Saturday, from the Heritage Trails exhibits, the Walter L. Fox Dover Post 2, Department of Delaware American Legion. The 287th Delaware National Guard military band and the fireworks that took place because of our patriots Doverites and community businesses. It was wonderful.

What pleasant memories of Saturday are etched into my memory bank! The couples from Barcelona, Spain, Ontario, Canada and two couples from Italy who stopped me on the "Green" and remarked how great Dover’s celebration of Independence Day is, and how beautiful our state capitol city is. They were amazed at the free events that unfolded at the seat of state government on our glorious celebration of the 4th.

To the Adjutant General of the Delaware National Guard, Major General Francis Vavala, our lead Co-Parade Marshall, thank you for all that you and the "Guard" did to make this years parade memorable. Also, for assisting me and Fox Post 2 Commander Danny Seeman in being MC of the gala event.

Thank you to Co- Parade Marshall Michael Connelly, Past Post Chaplain, and Parade Director for 10 years.

Walter L. Fox Post 2 re-established the Independence Day parade after a long absence in 1997. The Post sponsors the parade, and a B-B-Que affair for those who join in our parade. Thank you Legionnaires of Dover’s Fox Post 2.

A special thank you to the Delaware State News Editors Andy West and Tom Eldred, and Jeff Brown of the Dover Post for all the publicity that all but guaranteed a great crowd on the parade route. And the fine pictures by Photographer Dave Chambers for great pictorial coverage.

Please help me thank owner Susie of Actors Attic and her staff for assisting us with period costumes, in particular this year Abraham Lincoln (Brady Abbott) and Uncle Sam (Don White). Every year they bend over backwards to help us make it right!

To all of you who were there, thanks, and what a delight. Especially the children waving their personal flags that Post 2 passes out at every parade. The looks of awe and beaming smiles are precious. And I was honored through out the evening to be stopped by so many to pose for pictures with all. My cup runeth over.

It is an honor to be with you on this most patriotic day for Americans. Remember that the American Legion motto is "Still Serving America, and that among its ideals is ONE country, with ONE flag with One language — Under GOD. We make no excuses for promoting the ideals formed by our forefathers and the constitution of these United State signed first by Delaware, hence the name "The First state."

And thank you for the assisted living and Rehabilitation center on Walker Road for allowing me a second visit on Independence Day as Uncle Sam, helping all veterans, wives and widows of veterans and all members of the Capitol family community

The Parade viewing committee consisting this year of Maj. Gen Vavala, Past Department of Delaware American Legion Department Commander Margaret Lou Reining, and Post Commander Danny Seeman are selecting the winners in several categories. They will be announced tonight at the Executive Committee meeting, and a news release will follow tomorrow.

My personal thank you to all who attended our celebration Saturday. Each parade has been special, each has a predominate spot in my memories, and each time I say "I WANT YOU" to celebrate the 4th with us — replying with your presence. You are why we do this gala parade.

For God and Country, I remain yours,