Celebrating First Amendment Rights at the Springfield Parade

The First Amendment establishes, among other things, the freedom of speech and the press, the free exercise of religion and the “right of the people peaceably to assemble” or free assembly. The Springfield 4th of July Parade was a great testimonial to those first amendment rights.

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Celebrating First Amendment Rights at the Springfield Parade Submitted by admin on Tue, 07/09/2013 - 2:58pm By GLORIA DUFIELD The Shopper SPRINGFIELD, VT - Independence Day is a celebration of all things red, white and blue and each person’s right to “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”. It is a reminder of our Constitution and its first Ten Amendments or Bill of Rights. The First Amendment establishes, among other things, the freedom of speech and the press, the free exercise of religion and the “right of the people peaceably to assemble” or free assembly. The Springfield 4th of July Parade which was followed by a rally by area religious organizations was a great testimonial to those first amendment rights. The parade, which was collaboratively organized by area churches, started on Main St. via the Park Street Bridge and ended at Riverside Middle School. Parade Marshall, Earnest “Puggy” Lamphere, lead the parade that included floats, musicians, dancers, motorcycles and representatives from area churches. Sixteen ministries marched in the parade with seven churches from Springfield and others from the surrounding area including Rutland, Proctorsville, Ludlow, Pittsford, Athens, North Springfield, Charlestown,NH and Drewsville, NH. The rally following the parade was very well attended with the Riverside Middle School parking lot full. Throughout the event, speeches and musical and dance performances were provided by representatives from all the ministries. Participating churches had tents setup where attendees could learn about their current church events and ministries. The Church of Christ first aid tent offered shade and handed out hundreds of bottled waters and handmade wooden crosses. A children’s ministry tent offered face painting, crafts, puppets, and games and the Calvary Assembly Church’s prayer tent was available for those who came with specific needs for prayer. Hot dogs, chips, watermelon and cookies were provided to all attendees for free. Pastors Mike and Carol Gibson, Life Fellowship Church, said that the community was very gracious and supportive and they wanted to thank the Town of Springfield, Springfield Police Department, Windsor County Sheriffs Department, CERT Team and the Parks and Recreation Department for allowing the event. They also wanted to express their gratitude to the organizations that donated food to the event: Shaws in Springfield and Ludlow, Hannaford’s, Market Basket, Walmart, Black River Produce Allen Brothers and Cota and Cota which provided the grill for cooking. If you have interest in participating in or planning for next year’s event, please contact the Gibsons at aquilapriscilla@vermontel.net or 802-886-1396. - See more at: http://www.vermontjournal.com/content/celebrating-first-amendment-rights-springfield-parade#sthash.2hZLKo8l.dpuf