Residents celebrate America's 250th birthday at Berks County Fairgrounds
Bob Simpson answered the question with a single word.
"Freedom," the Womelsdorf man said Saturday afternoon when asked what it means to be an American.
As a Vietnam War veteran, he noted that he has a deep understanding that freedom comes at a cost and is grateful that he lives in a country where people are willing to put their lives on the line for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
"This is the best country in the world," he said, wiping tears hidden behind black sunglasses. "So many people want to criticize this country these days, but if they knew what it was like to live somewhere else they would understand how truly wonderful it really is."
Simpson and his wife, Helen, celebrated that hard-won freedom on Independence Day by heading out to the Berks County Fairgrounds in Bern Township to hear their son and daughter-in-law perform in the Let's Dance Orchestra, a large swing band composed of musicians from across the county.
The band was one of several acts featured at a special Fourth of July event led by the America250PA Berks County Committee and the Reading Symphony Orchestra.
The Star-Spangled Spectacular featured music, family activities and food vendors. Organizers had to cancel an orchestra concert and fireworks display scheduled for Saturday night due to stormy weather.
A day to reflect
Visitors braved near triple-digit heat to enjoy the celebration and to take a few moments to reflect on what it means to live in the United States of America.
Helen Simpson said the words that jump to her mind when she thinks about America are freedom, faith and family.
"It's really important to celebrate this milestone and remember that it is up to us to preserve these rights for generations to come," she said. "We are very fortunate and very blessed to be Americans."
Fred and Susan Yeagle, Leesport, said they thought the event would be a fitting way to celebrate a remarkable occasion.
"We really wanted to do something special to celebrate the 250th birthday of our nation and support our county at the same time," Fred Simpson said. "This is a great way to mark such a big milestone."
Susan Yeagle said they were just teenagers back in 1976 when the nation celebrated the bicentennial and acknowledged that she probably didn't fully grasp just the importance of the milestone at that time. Now she does.
"We live in the greatest country in the world," she said. "I have the freedom to live the way I choose, to believe in the things I choose and to say the things I choose. Those are choices that other people may not have."
Carlos Vasquez came to the event at the urging of his son's friend Isa Smith, who was convinced she would be able to find a funnel cake vendor at the event. Smith was right.
"I really wanted a funnel cake," she said with a smile as she balanced the sweet treat in one hand and a water bottle in the other. "I guess I kind of forced them to come, but now that we're here this is a pretty great way to celebrate the Fourth of July."
Vasquez said he was in search of a soft pretzel and plenty of water.
"Even though the heat is bad, I'm glad we came to celebrate," he said. "During my lifetime, I have seen a lot of good things and a lot of bad things happen in our history. But we are still here and that says something."
The Reading resident said that if he could speak to the leaders of our nation he would encourage them to think a little more about the plight of the working class and focus on making things better for those who are struggling to make ends meet.
Smith agreed that there's progress to be made. But, she said, the holiday serves as a reminder to be grateful to her family members who immigrated to the United States four generations ago.
"They moved here from Trinidad and Tobago for a better life," she said. "That opened the door for future generations to be able to do what they want. I still have family that live on the island and they don't have the same kind of opportunities that we do."
Businesses step up
Charles Bock, president of the Reading Symphony Orchestra, served as the chairman of the Star-Spangled Spectacular event. He said the intention was to blend patriotism with musical performances.
Bock said the event came together thanks to the generosity of the local business community.
"Not one dime of taxpayer money was used," he said. "We had these wonderful companies step up to make this day special for residents because they deserve it."
The lineup for the day featured a diverse soundtrack from musical performers
Sen. Judy Schwank and Rep. Mark Gillen teamed up for a reading of the founding document that was signed 250 years ago - the Declaration of Independence.
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