I was a little surprised and disappointed by Christopher Chalifoux’s letter in the Press last week.
My wife, Pam, and I were members of the Fourth of July Committee for two years in the late ’80s. At that time members served two years and were responsible for finding and mentoring their replacement at the end of their first year. As I recall we met during the winter to plan the event, usually at a member’s home. It was great fun and we made many friendships that continue to this day.
We all had full-time jobs and young kids, but made the time to continue the tradition of Harvard’s July 4 celebration, which is one of the events that makes Harvard such a special place to live.
I don’t know when the tradition of choosing one’s replacement broke down, but I do know it continued for many years. It may be too late for this year but it would be worth trying.
Regarding the loss of the fireworks display, I hope it means bringing back a smaller display to the center of town. Other fond memories were of families and friends setting up their blankets on the library or soccer fields, enjoying dinners together, and eagerly awaiting nightfall for the fireworks.
The fireworks were moved from town center because of environmental concerns for the pond, but in my opinion it transferred those problems to the critical habitats around Fruitlands and the neighboring Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge that are in an ACEC or Area of Critical Environmental Concern. The fireworks somehow blossomed from a small-town event to a massive regional event.
We must have enough technical people in town to maybe come up with a drone light display or other minimally invasive form of celebration.
I urge all to get involved, reinstate the two-year stint and help maintain this tradition that makes Harvard what it is.
Some of my fondest memories in Harvard are meeting with that group, making all those friends, and being able to help give Harvard a memorable July 4, as countless others have in the past.
David Durrant
East Bare Hill Road
