American independence celebrates its 240th birthday. Today’s anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence celebrates the birth of a nation founded on the fundamental belief that “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable right, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

Friday communities across the Miss-Lou celebrated one of the basic foundations built by the founding fathers that gathered in Philadelphia in 1776.

Selected by voters to represent them in the halls of local government, mayors in Natchez, Vidalia, Ferriday and Clayton along with area aldermen and other elected officials were sworn in to lead the community for the next four years. Although the first day of governing for some leaders may have not gone as planned, Friday’s peaceful change of leadership is a testament to revolutionary ideas set forth more than 200 years ago.

As we mark this day with fireworks, cookouts and other summer celebrations, let’s pause to look at other highlights from the week:

-Alumni from Sadie V. Thompson School, St. Francis School and Natchez College celebrated the 21st reunion this weekend with a parade, picnic, parties and time to reminisce with old friends and families.

Along with the annual celebration, alumni and family gathered on North Union Street to unveil a historic marker to the site of the building that served as a segregated, black school before integration. Thank you to everyone that played a role dedicating this marker to this vital part of Natchez’s past.

-Natchez firefighters did more than just fight fires recently. A group of men from Natchez Fire Station No. 2 painted, honed their carpentry skills and did a little welding to make improvements to the station on John R. Junkin Drive. Thanks to the firefighters’ own skill labor improvements to the facility only totaled approximately $5,000. Thanks to all who use their skills to keep city buildings maintained and in good condition.

As we enter another week, let’s continue to celebrate the spirit and ideals that make our community and country great.