Why we do what we do
Our Mission
Independence Day Celebrations is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide family-oriented events and activities to celebrate the nation’s Independence Day while celebrating the incredibly diverse and special community of Morgan Hill. Our vision is for everyone to enjoy the July 4th traditions that have been a part of Morgan Hill since 1876 and to continue that tradition long into the future. Freedom Fest was founded and continues to operate on the core value that everyone has the right to celebrate the birth of this country.
A message from the President:
Matthew Stein, Freedom Fest President
This year’s Freedom Fest theme is Red, White, and YOU, America. We chose this theme as a reminder that being a part of this country comes with obligations, obligations that sometimes fall by the wayside as focus turns to work and family which always seem so pressing. Astronaut John Glenn once said, “By its very definition, civic responsibility means taking a healthy role in the life of one’s community.”
For instance, 2024 is an election year and ALL eligible citizens have an obligation as part of a democracy to help decide the leaders who make decisions in our local community and our nation as well as fundamental questions that are brought to the electorate in the form of ballot measures. Taking the time to learn about the views of those running or the measures being brought to the voters is the key to self-determination that is the basic tenant of a democracy.
But civic responsibility also means being a part of a community. If during a walk we see trash on the side of the road, do we simply shake our head and say, ‘someone should do something about that?’, or do we follow the lead of elementary school students and help clean-up for the greater good? Sometimes a contribution is running a city-wide food drive for those with not enough to eat, but it can also be just as meaningful to help take care of trees in our community that provide shade and beauty to our streets.
The message I think we need to remember is that being a part of a country, a state and a community means being an active member. It does not mean you have to sign-up to volunteer for every cause (although Freedom Fest can always use more help on July 4th), but it does mean offering what you can do to better that community. The now famous line from John F Kennedy Jr. “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.”
July 4th is a time of celebration, and we hope that you join us for all the exciting events the team has been working so hard on to celebrate this wonderful diverse and vibrant country. Never forget that this is not a celebration of others, but a celebration that includes YOU and YOUR family and friends because you are a part of this community. This year we celebrate and recognize YOU for YOUR contributions!
As you think about charitable giving please don’t forget that this entire event is put on by the support of local businesses and our residents. We hope you can spare even a small donation to help keep this FREE event available to our entire community If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to email me at info@mhfreedomfest.com, I would love to hear any thoughts, concerns or eagerness to join the team. Please check back on this page or subscribe to our social feeds for updates.
Happy 4th of July!
Matthew Stein
Freedom Fest President
“I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward”
