Freedom at the Arboretum 2021

In spite of the lingering pandemic and a heat wave, we estimate roughly 135 people attended this year's Freedom at the Arboretum.  

Our Democracy is threatened by wildly partisan rhetoric, so this year we decided to focus on the concept of democracy in hopes it will help people sort out for themselves how they want OUR system to work.  Democracy at its essence is a belief that government should be of the people, by the people and for the people.  

2021 Program Welcome statement

Welcome Back!! It is good to be vaccinated & together!!  

It has been a long hard couple of years since we last gathered to celebrate the ideals found in the Declaration of Independence that founded our country. At times we wondered if we weren’t losing our common belief in democracy, that our nation might continue to be as Abe Lincoln said, “A government of, by and for the people.” 

A nation is its people, and we are a wildly diverse bunch who have divergent political views split among diverse races, religions, generations, genders, economic outlooks, etc. Today we celebrate our diversity and affirm what we have in common. 

You are surrounded by wonderful people, we encourage you to visit and meet someone new! To wit, we have a new format that gives more time for simply visiting, including at intermission. You are welcome to linger after the program and enjoy this beautiful Arboretum. Finch Arboretum is itself a testament to diversity, and a commitment to a vision for the common good of our community. 

The Westbrook family, assisted by enthusiastic friends have organized Freedom at the Arboretum since 1962! We wish to thank the long list of volunteers who generously gave of their time and talent that make this possible.

Extra thanks to: 

• Pat Cantlon & Bob Rice of Indie Air Radio who put in long hours setting up this sound system so we can safely spread out, and still be heard. 
• Rusty Nelson of Veterans for Peace for being this year's Stir the Pot speaker.
• Stage Left Theater for adding Theater Arts to our program
• Lonesome Lyle Morse a professional bluesman
• Finch Arboretum for allowing us to gather & use their facilities
• So many others: Vern, Sean, Elliot, Katrina, Lynn, Bob, Dianna, Craig, Darrell, Susan, Mark B., etc. 

Without them today’s event would not be possible!! 

Thanks to All of You!!

Live Program

Opening Blessing & Native Lands    

Pastor Andy CastroLang Westminster UCC

Forest for the Trees 
by Rena Priest  Read by Pastor Andy

We Breathe
by Arielle Estoria
Read by Ramona Tylor

Nothing More
by Alternate Routes

sung by Luisa, Luisa and Marisela Orellana

Stir the Pot: “Sounds of Freedom”  
speech by Rusty Nelson, Veterans for Peace

I Am Diversity, Please Include Me
by Charles Bennafield
read by Luc Jasmin, Naghmana Sherazi and Maeve Griffith

Intermission

Teddy Roosevelt, Bull Moose Speech
read by Robert Tombari
Stage Left Theater

Let’s Work Together 
by Wilbert Harrison
sung by Lonesome Lyle Morse

Fair Representation for All
speech by Trenton Miller

In These Times 
by Dick Warwick and recited by Dick Warwick

Declaration of Independence
34 speaking parts

This Land is Your Land 
by Woodie Guthrie 

sing-a-long lead by Luisa Orellana Westbrook and her nieces Luisa and Marcella Orellana

Thanks to all of you!!

Mark & Nancy Westbrook 

Comments & suggestions welcome

Watch the entire 2021 event! Each segment is its own video.