Letter from Mayor Tobler: Damboree a time to celebrate BC

Roger Tobler, Mayor of Boulder City

Thursday, July 2, 2009 | 1:04 a.m.

Roger Tobler

Independence Day is a time of strong traditions and deep patriotism in Boulder City. One of the things I’m most grateful for and that brings me the most pride in our community is that we take the time to work, celebrate and remember — together.

This year our Damboree theme is “United We Stand.” Boulder City is a place where we all contribute and participate to celebrate our nation’s independence. It’s a place I’m proud to call my home. From volunteers serving at each of the day’s activities to each of you that have contributed to the fireworks fund throughout the year, this day is special because we have joined together to make it so. This is our country. This is our community.

This year’s theme brings to remembrance the need to be united as a people. There is great power that comes from working together. Every challenge we face as a community, nation and world would be richly served by people standing together to work for the common good. I hope we all recognize the blessings of living in a land with such rich heritage and so many opportunities and freedoms, and that we are indeed proud to be Americans. Boulder City comes to life during the Fourth of July celebrations and I hope will join with family and friends to enjoy the festivities and the wonderful parade that our dedicated Damboree committee plans each year.

This is Boulder City’s 61st annual Damboree celebration. It’s a day for family, friends, reunions, and activities. The celebration begins with a pancake breakfast at 7:00 a.m. prepared by the Rotary Club. The parade then follows at 9:00 a.m. Many activities take place at Broadbent Memorial Park and later at the Veteran’s Memorial Park. An itinerary can be found at www.bcnv.org.

The Damboree celebration has always been a favorite of mine. As a young child, I remember the excitement of the Fourth of July. Back then, the fireworks were shot over the Whelan Baseball field and the junior high, which had not been built yet. Many would park their vehicles at the baseball field and others would spread out blankets and chairs in the park to look up at the fireworks exploding overhead. I remember going to the park after the parade to rekindle friendships with friends I had not seen since school let out. My children now look forward to going to the parade and seeing their friends. Watching the fireworks continues to be a tradition with family and friends as we watch the spectacular show from our back yard.

Let us remember why we celebrate the Fourth of July. Let us reignite our patriotic feelings and love of our country—to stand with our hands over our hearts as the flag passes and to rise to our feet as the national anthem is played. Our founding fathers came together after much disagreement and sacrifice to create an inspired government with democratic principals which incorporated and protected liberty, freedom, rights and a representative government. Let us put aside our differences this day and come together to celebrate their wonderful achievement.

Respect and reverence is also deserved by those who have fought and died for our country. Our freedom is secure and our way of life protected only because of the men and women in uniform who are willing to sacrifice, even their own precious lives. We are grateful to them and their families who are now serving this great country. Our prayers and thoughts go out to those serving in harm’s way, that they may be protected. Take the time to think of them here at home as well. Walk or drive up Veterans Memorial Parkway and read the names of Boulder City’s sons and daughters who serve in uniform. Gather your children or grandchildren around you and share your feelings about the nation we live in and the community we call home.

Let’s all enjoy a safe and memorable Fourth of July celebration! This is Boulder City at its best! Be respectful of others and celebrate responsibly. Thank you to all the Damboree and community volunteers who make this such a wonderful event each year. On behalf of the City Council and city staff, have a safe, enjoyable Independence Day!