Preparations begin for 250th celebration

As our country prepares for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, communities across the nation are planning activities to celebrate this historic milestone.

Here in Franklin County, residents are already participating through patriotic displays, community events, and efforts to preserve local history.

This anniversary offers an opportunity to strengthen our love of country and community; inspire civic pride; and renew our commitment to the ideals that helped shape our nation.

It also reminds us of the sacrifices made by generations of Americans who worked to preserve the freedoms we enjoy today.

I commend the organizations, clubs, businesses, homeowners and Russellville Street Department employees who have helped decorate the downtown area in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary. Their efforts have helped showcase our community during this historic celebration.

The American Legion Post 64 began selling military banners in 2020 to honor veterans in downtown Russellville. What started as a fundraiser has grown to include 247 banners this year.

The street department hangs the banners three times each year — for Memorial Day, July 4 and Veterans Day. Street department Chairman Shannon Wilson said the work usually requires three days to complete.

First Baptist Church has allowed the Street Department to hang some banners on its fence along Washington Avenue.

In addition to the banners, the city purchased several American flags for display downtown and at other locations.

“I feel that it is very important to honor our veterans, so if someone wants to have a banner, I believe that it is my duty to make sure that they get one,” said Buffie Ozbirn, a volunteer at the Franklin County Archives.

Residents may order banners through the Franklin County Archives for a one-time fee of $100 each.

Those placing an order should submit a good-quality photograph for scanning and printing, along with the information they would like included on the banner.

The American Legion also posted several American flags at Memorial Park in honor of veterans as part of the community’s observance of America’s 250th celebration.

As a member of the Cultura Garden Club, I enjoyed our activity to plant red, white and blue gardens in downtown pots with two American flags in each pot as part of America’s 250th birthday celebration. The patriotic plantings add another colorful reminder of the historic anniversary.

The city will hold its annual July 4 Jam at Sloss Lake. The free celebration will feature a car show, children’s activities, live entertainment and a fireworks display. Many homeowners have decorated their houses with patriotic flags, swags, pinwheels, lights, and other decorations, showing their love for our country and civic pride.

I look forward to seeing how Russellville and the rest of our community continue to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in the months ahead.

One of the things I appreciate most about this anniversary is the opportunity it gives people of all ages to learn more about our nation’s history and heritage.

I especially hope our children and grandchildren will take advantage of opportunities to learn about the people, events, and values that helped shape our nation and our local communities.

The Franklin County Archives offers records for historical and genealogical research, as well as displays of locally significant artifacts. The records and artifacts preserved help tell the story of the people, families and communities that have shaped Franklin County through the years.

Archives staff has spearheaded efforts to collect and organize a wealth of documents, books, articles, photographs and other resources.

Consider connecting with your local historical associations, cultural societies, or your local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Host or attend a public reading or reenactment of the Declaration of Independence to educate and celebrate the founding values of the United States.

Visit your local library to learn about America’s 250th celebrations and obtain a reading list that reflects what the nation’s anniversary means to the community.

I am so proud of our city and community for honoring America’s 250th birthday.

The decorations, events and volunteer efforts taking place throughout Russellville show that people still care about their community and country. They also demonstrate the pride many residents take in preserving local traditions and honoring those who came before us.

This is a once-in-alifetime celebration of our nation, and I hope everyone will take advantage of the opportunities we have to take pride, increase our knowledge, and help preserve our history and the values that are part of this country.