From VILLAGE OF GRAND RAPIDS SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL COMMITTEE
On Sunday, Sept. 27, at 3 p.m., a patriotic program will be presented in the historic Grand Rapids Town Hall. The afternoon will begin with the ringing of the Town Hall bell. In 1976, Howard, Deloy, Joe, and Kevin Long rang the bell to celebrate the Bicentennial. Joe and Kevin will be in attendance along with Al Wellman, who served on Village Council in 1976, and Sharon Carter, whose husband, Jimmy, was serving as mayor at the time.
The event will also feature Mark Sarkan, Lynne Long, dancers from Defying Gravity Dance Studio, readings by Steve Kryder and Sean Thiebaut, and videos featuring Red Skelton and Paul Harvey.
At the conclusion of the program, all in attendance will be invited to follow bagpiper Kari Rosania and American Legion Post 232 Honor Guard to the site of the “Freedom Takes Flight” sculpture in Pirates’ Park. The parade will also feature Sons of the American Legion Post 232, Grand Rapids Village Council, Grand Rapids Town Hall Committee, Boy Scout Troop 325, Wood County Park District, Northwest Water & Sewer, Grand Rapids Township Fire Department, dancers from Defying Gravity Studio, floats, decorated bikes and golf carts, and other entries.
“Freedom Takes Flight” is the name of a mosaic glass eagle sculpture designed by nationally-known mosaic glass artist Gail Christofferson and architect Craig Hamilton to celebrate the Semiquincentennial in the village of Grand Rapids. Sponsors and donors pledged money to the project, and their names will appear on the bronze plaque affixed to the base of the sculpture. An eagle was chosen because it is the national symbol, and they are often seen around the dams in the village.
The dedication ceremony will feature a welcome from Mayor Berry, remarks from Rep. Haraz Ghanbari, and the singing of the “Star-Spangled Banner” led by the Otsego High School Band. Craig Hamilton and Lynne Long will then unveil “Freedom Takes Flight.”
A committee of ten has met regularly to make decisions with Long, who is spearheading the project.
All are invited to participate in this patriotic observance for the country’s 250th birthday.
