Independence Day 2006 Events
Eastern U.S.
Western U.S.
Boulder, CO
Denver, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Longmont, CO
Corvallis, OR
Wichita Falls, TX
Eastern U.S.
Amherst, MA
Organized by: SAGE
Events: Bill of Rights Signs at the July 4th Parade
Open forum/discussion on threats to our civil liberties:
Wednesday, July 19th, 7:30 pm
457 Main Street, Amherst, MA
About the events: For the fourth year in a row, SAGE, a local grassroots group working to help build a broad-based movement for peace, democracy and social justice, participated in the Amherst 4th of July parade at the kind invitation of the Fourth of July Parade Committee. As before, we carried a banner celebrating the Bill of Rights and signs quoting from this document, which is a foundation of our freedoms.
We are glad to join in our community’s celebration. Independence Day is a fitting time to celebrate the source of our rights that we hold so precious and to remember the bravery of our founders and all since who have sacrificed in many different ways to uphold and maintain these rights.
Yet in the midst of this celebration, we march on July 4th with heavy hearts and no small fear for the continuance of these hard-earned civil liberties. Today, they are not safe and are under attack. Government spying on individuals and private groups is undermining freedom of speech and assembly. Corporate monopoly ownership and excessive government secrecy are making a mockery of freedom of the press. Searches without warrants, detentions without charge, and blatant denials of due process of law undercut privacy and individual freedom. Torture and “extraordinary rendition” violate both the ban on cruel and unusual punishment and human dignity.
Given the seriousness of these attacks on our civil liberties, SAGE invites members of the Amherst community to join with us and members of the Parade Committee, who have graciously offered us a meeting space at the VFW Post 754. All are invited to 457 Main Street in Amherst on Wednesday, July 19th at 7:30 pm to consider together these troubling threats to our civil liberties.
Carrboro, NC
Organized by: Orange County and Durham Bill of Rights Defense Committees
Events: A statement was read by Mayor Mark Chilton proclaiming that the Town of Carrboro upholds the right of every resident to be protected by the provisions of the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, and North Carolina Constitution from all infringements upon those rights and privileges. Read the proclaimation here (Word).
The Orange County and Durham Bill of Rights Defense Committees had a community booth.
Western U.S.
Boulder, CO
Organized by: Rocky Mountain Peace and Justice Center
Event: Handed out PATRIOT Act and Torture
leaflets at the Veterans for Peace Parade and Rally at noon.
Fort Collins, CO
Organized by: Bill of Rights Supporters of Fort Collins
Event: Information table
in the Civic Center Park, downtown Ft. Collins, from 11 to 5pm on
July 4.
Denver, CO
Sponsored by: ACLU-Colorado
Events: Liberty Run, Walk and Festival of Rights,
Tuesday, July 4 beginning at 8 a.m. at Washington Park. A 4-mile run,
1-mile walk, Kid's Fun Run, children's games, live music, and family
activities.
Longmont, CO
Organized by: Longmont Citizens for Justice and Democracy
Events: Congressional visits
during the 4th of July recess. Meetings with Representative
Mark Udall and Senator Ken Salazar, in cooperation with the Rocky
Mountain Peace and Justice Center in Boulder.
Corvallis, OR
Organized by: Benton County Bill of Rights Defense Committee
Events: Civil liberties signs and Bill of Rights
handouts at the July 4th parade
Group gathering/organizing before the parade: Tuesday, July 4th, 9:30
am
Central Park, near Art Centric's Ballerina
Parade starts about 10:00 am
About the event: The Benton County Bill of Rights
Defense Committee participated in the community's July 4th parade
with a display of signs defending our civil liberties. They will also
hand out rolled-up copies of the Bill of Rights along the parade route.
Wichita Falls, TX
Organized by: Wichita Falls BORDC
Event: The group had a contingent of bell-ringers
in the parade, to symbolize the ringing in of liberty. Parade starts
at 8:30 a.m. at 900 Bluff, site of the Historic Kell House.