Brownsville herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1910-current, 1928-07-06
The Celebration

Brownsville citizens take a very commcndahle pride
in the manner in which the Fourth OF July celebration
and formal opening Of the new international bridge
was staged. The city was host 70 the largest crowd
assembled here since Armistice Day, 1920, when the
late President Harding, then president-elect. was the
guest Of honor al the most notable celebration ever
held On the Mexican border.
The Fourth Of July celebration has demonstrated III
Brownsville people what cooperation can accomplish.
Every COMMITTEES chairman and member took a per-
sonal interest in making the event a success. There
was perfect accord in all committees, and each event
was put On at the time scheduled.
Brownsville residents VIII echo the sentimen ex-
pressed by g. Z. Richardson, manager of the Chamber
Of Commerce, to the effect that Brownsville owes a
debt Of gratitude to Colonel McH. Ely. commander at
Fort Brown, and every officer and man in the For,
Brown garrison. 1t was largely through their coop
Grafton that the celebration was made an outstanding
success. Every facility Of the post was placed at thu
disposal Of the various committees, Colonel Eby and
his officers personally supervising part OF the work.
The natural amphiteater, formed by the lagoon, where
a crowd Of at least 10000 enjoyed the boat races. water
pageant and fireworks display, forms an IDEAL setting
for such entertainments, and through the courtesy o.
the post commander the entire post was thrown open
to the public and officers and men detailed as guards
and to provide visitors with any desired information.
Brownsville is fully appreciative Of this service and
assistance, rendered in a spirit of cooperation that ex-
e~mplified the close bond between the city and the mill
tary post.
A movement has already been inaugurated to make
the celebration an annual event. and this movement
should not be permitted to anguish. Brownsville has
the geographic location fer such celebrations; I'll has
natural advantages such as few cities possess. and
there is no logical reason why the city should not ID
least once a year be host u the entire Lower Rio
Grand country. TO make the annual celebration a sue
cess a permanent organization must Ne perfected, and
the members Of the organization should bc selected TN
the people of the city through the medium of a mail
ballot. Committeeman selected in this manner will De-
cognizant Of the fact that they are representing the
entire city and not one specific organization. The COM
mittee should select its permanent chairman and start
without delay in arranging details for the next annual
event.
One fact the celebration brought home to Browns
willie residents Is that such celebrations are excellent %
tone up the morale Of the city. There was not a per-
son in Brownsville who did not have a greater personal
pride in his city on the morning Of July 5. They real
ized that Brownsville had put it over" in a manner
that was distinct credit to the city, and that thousands
Of Valley residents, guests Of the ely for a day, had
returned TO their homes with a new vision Of the Dor
der city and pleasant memories of a celebration well
conducted and with a remarkable record for lack Of
accidents or disturbances such as often arise to mar
the enjoyment of such occasions.