Greene Celebrates America’s 250th Birthday

CATSKILL - A stirring singing of “God Bless America” was performed by Meeghan Darling during Greene County’s “America 250” celebration, on July 3 at the county courthouse in Catskill, with Honeyford Memorial American Legion Post 110 commander Tom Andreassen serving as Master of Ceremonies, saying, “this is a truly historic moment…symbolizing everyone who has fought and died for freedom.”

Respectful folding of Old Glory was part of the 250th birthday celebration of the United States. Each of the 13 folds represents a principle upon which America was founded including a tribute to country, an honoring and a remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks, a belief in eternal life, and a pledge of allegiance to the United States…one nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all…”

The future awaits the opening of a Time Capsule created by Greene County administrator Shaun Groden who will place numerous items in the time traveling trunk to be unveiled in 2076 including a 13-fold American flag, a cell phone and charger, messages from government officials and copies of the Mountain Eagle/Windham Weekly newspaper. 

Greene County historian Jonathan Palmer was among the guest speakers for Rev 250, helping dedicate a marker, “sacred to the memory of the Revolutionaries of 1776 who, at great risk, and with aspirations to liberate the thirteen colonies of British North America, endured the terrible strife of a calamitous war and forever consecrated the Democratic experiment…”

Revolutionary War Era replica uniform was brought to the event by Greene County Legislature chairman Patrick Linger, telling a story of wearing the outfit, sewn by his aunt, for America’s 1976 Bicentennial celebration when he was 7 years old. “While the clothes may no longer fit, the message does,” Linger said. “We continue to celebrate the same victories and our continued freedoms. It is up to us to ensure the freedoms of future generations still exist.”

Bipartisan participation was represented by (left to right) Greene County Legislature chairman Patrick Linger, county tourism director Patty Austin, State Senator Michelle Hinchey and Assemblyman Chris Tague. Austin was given an Appreciation Award by Master of Ceremonies Tom Andreassen for organizing the multi-tiered occasion that included a reading of the Declaration of Independence and downtown Catskill street fair, saying, “Patty poured her heart and soul into this celebration of our nation.”