Local DAR chapter plans July 4 bell-ringing ceremony to begin Saugus Celebrates America at the Iron Works

By Mark E. Vogler

The Parson Roby Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) will distribute bells for people attending tomorrow’s (July 4) America 250th celebration at the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site as part of the nationwide “Ring Bells at Noon on July 4” initiative. Sponsored in part by the local NSDAR chapter, the old-fashioned patriotic gathering will be held from noon to 4 p.m. and is open to the public for free.

A reenactor dressed in a colonial costume as Parson Joseph Roby – who served as a Saugus pastor for more than half a century and who led 62 men from Saugus to Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775 – will portray the reading of the Declaration of Independence. Members of the Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.) will honor those patriots by reading the names of the men who answered the call to service. The celebration will recreate the spirit of 1776 with period games, food and colonial attire, along with photo opportunities featuring George and Martha Washington cutouts and period costumes. Winners of the chapter’s K–5 “What Freedom Means” writing and drawing contest will also be announced and recognized with prizes. Throughout the event, the Parson Roby Chapter will host a NSDAR information table to share the Society’s mission of historic preservation, education and patriotism.

Here is a tentative schedule for tomorrow’s event at the Iron Works:

From noon to 4 p.m. – BBQ (hot dogs, rolls, condiments, baked beans, lemonade, water, ginger cookies, cakes. DJ Anthony Arone will provide entertainment throughout the event. There will be a photo area with cutouts of George and Martha Washington and others.

Noon – Ringing of the Bells – Daughters of the American Revolution, Color Guard Presentation

Master of Ceremonies – Steve Castinetti – Pledge of Allegiance

National Anthem – Mary Beth Maes

Opening invocation – Pastor Wayne Shirk

Presentation of Citations – State Rep. Donald Wong and Saugus Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta

Children’s games throughout Iron Works: Tug of war, three-legged race, sack races, corn hole, ring toss.

1 p.m. – General George Washington

2 p.m. – Parson Roby Narration; Reading of the Saugus Men who marched to Lexington; reenactment of the signing of the Declaration: John Hancock will read his story leading up to the Revolution and Ben Franklin will read a modern version of the Declaration of Independence.

3:30 p.m. – Presentation of winners to: “What Freedom Means to Me” writing and drawing contest; winner of Best Decorated Truck.

4 p.m. – Program concludes

A Shuttle for Senior Citizens – they can gather at the Saugus Senior Center at 11:45 a.m. and leave promptly in the shuttle to the Iron Works (if more than 12 people are there, a second shuttle will be available. A return shuttle from the Iron Works to the Senior Center will be made at 3:45 p.m.

Heat advisory – temperatures are expected to reach 95 degrees on Saturday. There will be several tents set up for people to get under for relief from the sun. The public is advised to keep hydrated and bring sunscreen to the event.

The event goes on, rain or shine. There is no rain date. Organizers hope for a rain-free day.