Greenacres July 4th Celebration Returns After a Two Year Hiatus

Over 300 people attended the Greenacres 4th of July Celebration that returned after a two year hiatus, led by a reinvigorated Greenacres Neighborhood Association. There were sack, 3-legged and spoon races, foul shot contests, running races and a candy hunt for the youngest in the neighborhood. The fire department arrived with their truck to spray everyone down and all the fun was followed by a patriotic program with remarks from Scarsdale Mayor Jane Veron. Here is what she said:

Greenacres, thank you so much for the invitation to join you today at your wonderfully warm, inclusive, and joyous Fourth of July celebration. I am beyond thrilled that we can all be back together to commemorate this important day, the day when America gained independence from British rule. Today, you are doing exactly what our founding fathers had hoped - John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail in July 1776 that we should celebrate with "pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports".

Greenacres, you lead with your traditional fanfare that bridges generations and strengthens our community. You certainly know how to put on a party! I am incredibly impressed by your volunteer spirit. It is no small feat to pull off this fabulous event. I would like to recognize your leadership with a big round of applause. I would also like to honor the children and families of Greenacres. Your spirit and enthusiasm are palpable. I am inspired by your festivities and have been a big fan of the fire hose highlight! Greenacres, your neighborhood association is a model for us all.

As many of you know, Scarsdale played a role at the very beginning. Not so different from today, in 1776, Westchester citizens had divergent opinions. Some preferred to keep the status quo, wishing to remain loyal to the King. Others sought change, becoming Patriots to demand independence. As reported in the book Of Colonists and Commuters by Diane Reische, most Scarsdalians kept quiet about their preferences. However, two Scarsdale residents Samuel Crawford (a cooper and militia captain) and Michael Varian (perhaps the namesake of your Greenacres street), bravely spoke up. They had a strong desire for independence and were determined to make their mark.

Down the street at the White Plains Court house, Crawford and Varian made history by seconding the motion that the Declaration of Independence be endorsed by the New York Provincial Congress. At that time, it was too dangerous to meet in NYC since the harbor was packed with 120 ships and 10,000 soldiers. The unanimous vote set the course for our Village, and we benefit today from the risks these patriots took hundreds of years ago.

This is a glorious day for celebration and reflection. We are proud of our country’s ideals: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Yet, our country still remains a work in progress - while we have made significant strides since our earliest days, we still have a ways to go. We are on a continued quest to afford equality and freedoms for all Americans, for all genders, races and ethnicities, for our underserved and underrepresented populations, for people with disabilities, and for our heroic veterans who have devoted their lives to serve our country. As citizens, we strive for security and safety, dignity and independence. Democracies are ever evolving, and what is most exciting is that each of us here has a voice. We must listen to one another and learn, no matter where we sit on the political spectrum. Let’s open our hearts and minds, and together carve a path for a better future. Happy July 4th!