Local Fred Astaire Dance Studio Celebrates, Reflects and Gives Back this Fourth of July

Fourth of July has long been celebrated as the birth of American Independence.  As most Americans know, in 1776 representatives of the 13 colonies then fighting in the revolutionary struggle weighed a resolution that would declare their independence from Great Britain. Then, on July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later its delegates adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. 

On that day, John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail that July 2nd  would “be celebrated, by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary Festival" and that the celebration should include "Pomp and Parade...Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other, from this time forward and forever more."   This prediction remains true today, as most citizens celebrate July 4th as the birthday of America and attend picnics, fireworks and parades.  

For our military servicemen and women and their families however, July 4th takes on additional significance as they, probably more than other citizens, recognize that if it if it hadn't been for the wars and those fighting them, we wouldn't have this opportunity to celebrate our freedoms today.  They also know that these freedoms come at a great price and sometimes even the ultimate sacrifice of human life.  

“Freedom is not free” was first coined by retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, Walter Hitchcock, of New Mexico Military Institute. The phrase expresses gratitude for the service of members of the military, implicitly stating that the freedoms enjoyed by many citizens in many democracies are only possible through the voluntary risks taken and sacrifices made by those in military. The saying is often used to convey respect specifically to those who gave their lives in defense of freedom.

The Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Middletown is helping to give back to those who have served and sacrificed with a Dancing With Our Heroes Gala on November 10, 2013.  The event will feature a banquet dinner, a silent auction, general dancing and a Dancing with the Stars type competition.  The proceeds will benefit the Friends of Fisher House Connecticut which plans to build a Fisher House on the campus of the West Haven VA Hospital.  Fisher Houses provide housing and meals at no charge to military families while their loved one undergoes treatment for injury, illness or disease. 

On Tuesday, July 2nd, the studio will be hosting a Meet and Greet for the military heroes who will be participating in the Dancing With Our Heroes Competition.  The event will be from 4:15 pm – 6:00 pm at the Middletown Fred Astaire Dance Studio at 19 Tuttle Place, Middletown.  The military heroes will be welcomed by staff and students of the studio, introduced to their dance instructor and will choose their dance for the competition. The instructors of the studio have volunteered to teach twenty-five lessons at no charge to their hero to prepare them for the Dancing with the Stars type competition.  There is no cost to the heroes to participate. 

Bios for the studio’s heroes and more information about the Gala can be found at www.dancingwithourheroes.com.  The public is invited to attend the Meet and Greet.  Please contact the studio at 860-788-7150 for more information. 

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