Saugus Celebrates America’s 250th

American Patriots George Washington, Ben Franklin and John Hancock and local Revolutionary War hero Parson Joseph Roby came alive at the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site last Saturday (July 4) as Saugus celebrated the nation’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. A crowd estimated at 350 to 500 people sought shade under large trees and picnic tents that were set up in the park on a hot and humid day to watch local residents dressed in colonial outfits participate in reenactments of the historic events, which Saugus played a significant role in locally. Visitors entering the park were greeted by members of the Parson Roby Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) dressed in colonial outfits, who asked them to sign a giant copy of the Declaration of Independence and then presented them with miniature bells, which were later rung at around noon as part of a national ceremony. NSDAR members later took turns reading the names of 62 men from Saugus who were led by Rev. Roby to Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. The free food for the occasion featured BBQ hot dogs, baked beans (a popular food at the time of the Revolution), ginger cookies, lemonade, watermelon, cake and bottles of water. There were games and coloring books for kids. George Washington hung around a little while so grownups and kids could pose with him for photos. It was a day of patriotism, community pride, pageantry and fun. DJ Anthony Arone presided over the music that played during the event.

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