'We The People': Moorestown Ready To Celebrate The Fourth Of July

MOORESTOWN, NJ — “We The People.” The first three words of the Constitution symbolize unity among Americans. It is the theme of this year’s Fourth of July Parade in Moorestown, and it comes at a time when divisiveness is rampant in the United States.

“The theme of this year’s parade speaks to my heart,” Moorestown resident Monique Begg said during last week’s council meeting at town hall.

Begg immigrated from Canada, and although she wasn’t subject to any hardship directly, she sees it all the time while working with younger kids in the community.

Divisiveness is seen in politics at all levels, locally up to the national level. Mayor Manny Delgado spoke about the divisiveness in political discourse during this week’s meeting.

“I was excited to run for council three years ago,” Delgado said, adding that incivility has crept its way into many political discussions in Moorestown. “This has bothered me the most.”

Members of the public pointed out that the incivility exists at the council level, where council members interrupt each other and members of the public. Delgado explained that council members are always ready to listen to the public, but after years of contentious debate — particularly over the water issue — it’s natural to begin to believe that anyone who speaks at a meeting may be working for the opposition party and not just a concerned citizen.

At the Fourth of July Parade, though, all Moorestown residents are just that. Citizens. At the parade, Democrats and Republicans stand side-by-side to remember the brave men and women who fought for American independence. On Independence Day, it truly is about “We The People.” That’s the theme, and all parade participants are encouraged to interpret the theme for their floats and marching groups, the parade committee says on its website.

See related: Military Vets Invited To Participate In Moorestown Fourth Of July Parade

“Remember that all civic and community groups, as well as neighborhoods and businesses are welcome to register to march in the Parade,” the committee says. “And because this is the People’s Parade, we continue our policy of respectful refusal of any political campaigns or elected officials. This event seeks to celebrate our nation’s freedoms, our many cultures, and our continued strength through diversity.”

The committee also holds the annual Freedom Poster Contest in the various Moorestown grammar schools to promote awareness of our freedom among the young students. The first three winners of the Freedom Poster Contest will ride in the parade.

The parade starts at noon, heads up Chester Avenue, and turns right on East Main Street to Church Street where it officially ends. Participants begin lining up at Chester and Central avenues at 11:30 a.m.

Families are welcome to participate with their decorated bikes, scooters, and wagons. Custom car and truck owners are also invited to participate.

Chester Avenue south of Central Avenue, Main Street between Chestnut Street and Church Street, and Church Street between Route 38 and West Second Street will be closed to traffic from about 11:30 a.m. through 1 p.m. Moorestown police officers will be on location to assist with traffic.

To participate or donate, visit www.moorestown4thjuly.org . A check, made out to Moorestown 4th of July Committee for any amount, can also be sent to:
Mail it to:
4th of July
132 Harding Ave.
Moorestown, NJ 08057-1014.

See Donation form

There are no fireworks in Moorestown, but there are plenty of places locally to see them. For a list of places that have fireworks for Independence Day, check out Patch’s South Jersey Fireworks Guide For 2017.

Township offices and the library are closed on Tuesday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. The library is open 9 a.m.-9 p.m. on Monday, July 3.

Patch file photo