Outdoors in RI: Celebrating the birth of our great nation in 2024 – Jeff Gross

by Jeff Gross, contributing writer

On this date in 1776 our forefathers signed a document codifying many of our already inalienable rights as we separated ourselves from the English tyranny. During 1791, the Bill of Rights was generated, and the First Amendment came into being.  The freedom of speech was born.

Facebook foibles

Since Megyn Kelly stated that hate speech is constitutional, then sharing information posts on Facebook is constitutional.  Facebook allegedly censors posts.  With that in mind I find it self-destructive when people feel the need to complain about posts on Facebook pages they deem to be unwarranted. This insignificant minority does not speak for the 1000’s of other members and it is always the same trolls running their narrative.  I wonder if they were abused or neglected children?  Though some try to control what others read it is a fundamental, God-given right for We the People to decide what they want to read.  Quite notably, the founding Fathers knew what they were doing.

A Maine 4th

On the Birthday of this great country, Belgrade, Maine celebrated in style.  Other towns and cities around the US, and Rhode Island, should take note as the celebration brings everyone together.  The genetic makeup was from all points on the globe here in town, however, the only colors that mattered were the red, white, and blue. While the current administration is looking to divide us, today on July 4th, 2024, in Belgrade, we were united.  We are Americans.  I must give a nod to the black Democrat politician who stated “we need to stop identifying by color – we are Americans!” Hats off to this courageous woman – she gets it!

This is America. We need to stand by hard-working people who pull off small miracles with very few assets in a moment’s notice. We need to back up and stand shoulder to shoulder with the kind people, who, under the grace of chivalry, offer a cold bottle of water to an elderly person who is overheating. On this day I saw the Maine I grew up with.  There is a George Strait song called Heartland. Parts of the song have always reminded me of Maine and how we should be as Americans. “There is a place where mornings are an endless blue and you tell Mother Nature to walk along with you. Where simple people live side by side and they still wave to their neighbor as their driving by. Neighbor actually refers to all neighbors. That is the spirit of Maine. I have always admired when a complete stranger waves hello on a Maine backroad.  That is the spirit all of America needs to recapture.

Like I said, Belgrade saw only red, white and blue. The entire town folk were involved also thousands of vacationers. I must point out the fantastic job Kristen did in directing so much of the festivities. At 5 foot 1 she shouldered the fireworks and town parade admirably.  I would also tip my hat to Tim and Lori for their kindness to set up on Main Street. Again, the Flea Market and the town Businesses were booming. 

The attendance in town was estimated at well over 5,000, and I would agree with that count. For a brief moment this writer was able to walk into the street and was amazed at the throngs of Americans celebrating the birth of this Great Nation.  If you are in town for the rest of the weekend, Tim owns Christy’s Convenience Store and Kristen owns a cute shop of all specialty items at 81 Main St.  Show them some appreciation for their efforts and be a patron of their stores.  This writer purchased two what are called Railroad Signs; one saying Belgrade and the other Augusta in Kristen’s shop.  They will be mounted in his train room.

While this writer missed the Belgrade Fireworks the flea market which only occurs on July 4th ties right in with the parade. Again, Kristen did an exceptional job as the parade was a 3-mile-long convoy. Floats of all types and antique cars adorned the parade route. The parade participants carried bags of candy that were tossed to the youngsters and some lucky adults.  So much candy was tossed that it had the look of Halloween, but without going door to door.

The Belgrade Fire Department led the procession and the town of Rome brought up the rear. Rather than tying up two fire departments at the end the crews are split in case one gets an emergency call.

No moths so far this year

Mercedes was right on target when she relayed to me in advance that Belgrade was Brown Tail Moth free.  This writer was in the area for just shy of two months and enjoyed not being covered in BTM rash.  Thank the good Lord as another trip to Togus, VA hospital was not an option.  Last but not least I want to thank my neighbor, Ron, and also his neighbor for the spectacular fireworks display.  Right in front of my cabin’s porch.  There was an abundance of heavy ordnance and high explosives going on for just over 2 hours.  There was a convoy of boats out on the water and the scene was similar to the invasion of Normandy!

Here is to our America – and I hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July.

Till next week – Jeff

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Jeffrey “Jeff” Gross spent 21 years as an Analytical Chemist at the USCG R&D Center in Groton, Connecticut, Woods Hole Laboratories, and Helix Technologies. Changing careers is a “great learning experience for everyone”, Jeff says, and I’m an avid outdoorsman and conservationist, a student of the Sciences, and the world. The US holds too many wonders not to take a chance and explore them”.

Jeff is the Model Train and Railroad entrepreneur. Proud Golden Retriever owner. Ultra strong Second Amendment Advocate and Constitutionalist. “Determined seeker of the truth”.  Jeff is a RIFGPA Legislative and Legal Officer, Freshwater Chairman, NRA Liaison.

His subjects include Outdoors, Second Amendment, Model Railroading, Commentary, and Whimsical. He can be reached at: [email protected].