Celebrating Springfield's Biggest, Best and Brightest

There is a new American flag that flies over Riverfront Park. It is a symbol of freedom and part of the million dollar renovations to a park that has seen so much more activity since its dedication in June. The spray park has been a great spot for kids to cool off.
 
It is also where Springfield's September 11th Monument stands as a testament to the 498 first responders who gave their lives protecting ours. It is also where the Spirit of Springfield will celebrate Independence Day with a Star Spangled Springfield.


- Judy Matt 
President 

Star Spangled Springfield Returns to Riverfront
 
Star Spangled Springfield will celebrate Independence Day on Thursday, July 4th back in Riverfront Park. Music will fill Festival Field in the southern end of the park, and the focal point at 9:30pm will be to the northern end as Fireworks by Grucci's launches a shell filled show of pyrotechnics from the Memorial Bridge.
 
Beginning at 6pm, there will be face painters, a balloon artist as well as performances by Chloe Reed and a musical ensemble from Falcetti Music. At 7pm, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, Colonel Peter Green, III, Wing Commander for the 104th Fighter Wing at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Dennis Duquette, President of the MassMutual Foundation, Judy Matt, Spirit of Springfield President, will be introduced by Alanna Flood from Mass Appeal.
 
During the speaking program, the 104th Fighter Wing will zip across the skyline showing their ever presence and protection. It will be followed by an energetic performance by Maxxtone.

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fireworks
Pretty Pyrotechnics for a Party
 
Fireworks by Grucci has earned the reputation of being the First Family of Fireworks, and they were the first the Spirit of Springfield called in 1991 when it was going to be a Star Spangled Springfield.
 
This year, the display will include unique letters and shapes.  USA will be spelled out.  There will be blue and white star patterns as well as Saturn, mushroom and green and blue octopuses.
 
They will be dancing to music broadcast on Mix 93.1FM. Selections include patriotic, pop and classic.

September 11th Monument Dedication

The dedication of Springfield's September 11th Monument was picture perfect. Riverfront Park was filled with people there to honor the first responders who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, honor a loved one, and show respect for our local first responders.
 
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno offered greetings from the City. Andrew H. Card, former Chief of Staff to President George W. Bush, gave a memorable White House Remembrance. Edward Cetnar, Superintendent of Police and Director of Public Relations for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Remembrance spoke of his experience as a New Jersey State Police Officer. Brigadier General John Driscoll, Commander of the Massachusetts Army National Guard, gave an Armed Services Remembrance. Springfield Fire Commissioner B. J. Calvi and Acting Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood also gave remembrances, and Sam Ostroff, Salmon Studios' Owner, spoke of the emotional connection and care they gave to the artifact from the World Trade Center and the names engraved on the bronze wall.
 
After the speeches the ceremony was kicked-off with the posting of the colors, the National Anthem sung by Vanessa Ford, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the blessing of the monument. That was followed by the ringing of the fire bell and the roll out of emergency vehicles from across the Memorial Bridge. It was led by a contingent of motorcycles from area police departments.
 
The focus was then on the massive screen that hung over Springfield's September 11th Monument. Congressman Richard Neal gave greetings from the House of Representatives and read five of the 498 names on the monument wall. Bradley Blakeman, former Deputy Assistant to President George W. Bush, and his nephew, New York City Firefighter Joseph Jurgens, read Thomas Edward Jurgens, Bradley's nephew and Joseph's brother. Jim Jurgens from Wilbraham, read his nephew's name, Paul William Jurgens.
 
When all the names had been read there was a rifle salute, taps played, the colors were retired and the monument was lit.

Honored Guests Attend Dedication Ceremony

The Spirit of Springfield reached out to the New York City Police and Fire Departments, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and the National 911 Memorial & Museum. Representatives from each of these organizations attended. Anthony Cignoli, A. L. Cignoli Company, sent word of the ceremony to Andrew Card, former Chief of Staff to President George W. Bush, and Bradley Blakeman, also a member of President Bush's Cabinet.
 
Andrew Card captured the audience's attention as he told of the moments and the days following the attacks. While the President was reading to second graders, he had the daunting task of delivering the news. "I whispered in to his right ear," said Andrew Card. "A second plane hit the second tower. America is under attack."
 
"I know you know people that ran in to rescue that did not get to run out," addressing his comments to representatives from of the New York City Police and Fire Department, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
 
"The end of the day at the White House," referring to September 14, 2001, "Was the beginning of my day that changed my life, because he (President Bush) went to New York City."
 
Andrew Card's comments and the entire dedication ceremony is available on-line at wwlp.com.

Spirit of Springfield Golf Classic

Along with the Spirit of Springfield, there were five big winners at the Spirit of Springfield Golf Classic on June 7 at Franconia Golf Course. Chicopee Mayor Rich Kos, once again, took home the Mayor's Cup. He beat out Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt, and Agawam Mayor Bill Sapelli.
 
The Joe Superneau Award went to one of the two foursomes from Gleason Johndrow Landscaping. The winning team included Tony Gleason, Brian Cowles, Ben Premo and Nate Mercer.
 
The annual golf outing was sponsored by the Springfield Business Improvement District, Western Mass News, several Community Spirit Sponsors and many tee-sponsors.

NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBOR
We are pleased to welcome Delaney's Market to Downtown Springfield! Peter Rosskothen and his team are bringing chef-inspired ready-made meals to reheat and enjoy.

 They are located in the Shops at Marketplace, 1365 Main Street.


In This Issue
Star Spangfield Springfield Returns to Riverfront Park
Pretty Pyrotechnics for Party
September 11th Monument Dedication
Honored Guests Attend Dedication Ceremony
Spirit of Springfield Golf Classic
News from Our Neighbor
Guest Column - Dennis Duquette, MassMutual
Star Spangled Simulcast
Guest Column

Dennis Duquette,
Head of Community Responsibility,
MassMutual
The annual Star Spangled Springfield July 4th  celebration is back!
The year's event will return to the newly renovated Riverfront Park with live musical entertainment and astounding fireworks for all to enjoy. Each year, we look forward to supporting one of our favorite events that has continued to be a cherished tradition. It is a wonderful time to come together as a community to enjoy the festivities and recognize our history as a country and a city.
 
MassMutual has called Springfield home for more than 168 years and we've been living mutual and strengthening our communities since the day we were founded. As a longtime supporter of the Spirit of Springfield, we are committed to helping our local community thrive as a great place to live, learn, and work. We hope friends and families from across our region will come out to enjoy this truly spectacular event to celebrate our country's independence.
TUNE IN
JULY 4TH
FIREWORKS
SIMULCAST

9:30pm
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Celebrating Springfield's Biggest, Best & Brightest!

The Spirit of Springfield is a private, non-profit corporation
which produces high-quality, large-scale events in the city of Springfield.
Our mission is to promote community events and encourage civic pride.