In recognition of the semi-quincentennial anniversary marking the birth of our country, residents and visitors of Granby will notice upwards of 40 banners installed on lampposts in and around the center of town. The Granby Celebrates America250 banners were installed on May 14, just one of many initiatives planned by the Granby America250 Committee leading up to July 4.
With a green light from town officials, the banner project stepped up from planning to implementation in late March. SignPro from Plantsville was chosen because of its experience and capability to provide design, production and installation services at a competitive price. With a purchase order and design mockup in hand, fund raising began in earnest with a goal of $16,000.
Because the fundraising timeline was short, a fundraising team of four members was established. Curt Johnson recruited assistance from Dave Schupp, Cliff Burrell and Ed Ohannessian and they promptly contacted prospective donors. Consequently, total project funding was achieved through the generosity of more than 40 donors and two Granby-based organizations—the Granby Community Fund, Inc. and the Granby Lions Foundation, Inc. There was no funding from the Town of Granby.
The banner design is uniform, with a simple message that calls attention to July 4, 1776, the celebration of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and consequently the birth of our country. The images of the Dewey-Granby Oak and Salmon Brook in the lower right corner are historic and prominent natural resources that are also on the Town of Granby seal.
It is hoped the banners remind people to reflect on the sacrifices that many individuals endured over the years, leading up to, during and after the American Revolution. Thousands of those before us faced significant challenges as a result of conflicts on the battlefields, casualties from disease, sickness, starvation, unhealthy prison conditions or other misfortunes. During the mission to earn independence, a community bond was created between people near and far eventually to be considered neighbors driven by a common quest to achieve life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Let us continue to remember those individuals before us and their courage, fortitude and faith—human traits that served as inspiration to achieve and sustain freedom and independence.