White Plains CitizeNetReporter - White Plains Celebrates America’s 226th Birthday.

LADIES, GENTLEMEN, AND CHILDREN OF ALL AGES came from near and far to White Plains High for the traditional White Plains America’s Birthday party. Cars and families lined the streets leading to the high school field with spectators. Others in their neighborhoods gazed from their lawns at the eastern sky in the sweltering tropical heat of the lazy summer evening awaiting the annual celebration.
All Photos by WPCNR

GRAND FINALE of the 30-minute fireworks display arched magnificently into the velvet night to the cadence of military marches.

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY HONOR COLOR GUARD, awaited the cue to march in to present the colors prior to the start of the show. Jewish Veterans of Foreign Wars raised the colors, followed by a robust playing of the National Anthem.

MR. WHITE PLAINS, former Councilman Robert Ruger, gave an invocation, praying, “God of our Fathers – whose almighty hand has made and preserved our nation – grant as we gather together as free people, that we may understand what it is we celebrate this evening. Our Declaration of Independence, our Constitution, our Bill of Rights, our freedom. May we remember how bitterly our freedom was won – the down payment that was made for it, the installments that have been made since this Republic was born, and the price that yet must be paid for our liberty. May it be understood our liberty is under God and can be found nowhere else. May our faith be something that is not merely stamped upon our coins but expressed in our lives. You led us to this land, oh God, and out of conflict created in us a love of peace and liberty. Let us as a nation not be afraid of standing alone for the rights of people everywhere. Raise in us a right patriotism that seeks the nation’s good. To the extent America honors You – will You bless America. Keep her true as You have kept her free and make her good as You have made her great.”

MASTER OF CEREMONIES, Arne Abromowitz, Commissioner of Recreation & Parks, introduced the program by retelling an inspiring account of the Battle of White Plains and how 1600 White Plains patriots held off a superior British force, keynoting the evening.

MAYOR JOSEPH DELFINO WELCOMED THE MULTITUDES, saying the fate of the World Trade Center Towers, a symbol of our nation’s prosperity, made celebration of America’s Birthday take on even more significance. He was quietly sincere and meaningful in tone, saying America and White Plains would remain great if “we all work together.” To that end, he is shown introducing Common Councilpersons, L to R, Glen Hockley, Tom Roach in shadow, Robert Greer and Benjamin Boykin, Jr., Common Council President. The Mayor also presented plaques of recognition to the three corporate sponsors of the display, Heineken USA, Hudson United Bank, and the New York Power Authority.

WHITE PLAINS POPS BAND entertained the throng, performing a rousing 1812 Overture prelude to the display.

1812 OVERTURE CONCLUDES AND ROCKETS FLARE to start the show.

ROCKETS RED GLARE BURST IN AIR, casting a sense of awe in the audience. No matter how old you are fireworks are always a thrill on the Fourth of July.

PERSONALITIES WORKED THE CROWD. Amy Paulin “fans,” Adam Bradley flyers, and the occasional politician could be seen. Here, Councilman Glen Hockley is seen passing out Adam Bradley campaign literature.


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